Gaza ceasefire talks progress, but key obstacles persist: Reuters

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Reuters
23 Dec 2024 21:11

The ongoing genocide has so far claimed the lives of over 45,200 Palestinians, according to local health officials.

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Reda Abu Zarada, 50, displaced from Jabaliya in northern Gaza, warms up by a fire with her grandchildren at a camp in Khan Younis, Gaza Strip, on Thursday, December 19, 2024. (AP)

Reuters on Monday reported that gaps between "Israel" and Hamas over a potential ceasefire in Gaza have narrowed, though significant issues remain unresolved. Efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US to broker a truce have gained traction in recent weeks, but no major breakthroughs have been announced.

A Palestinian official involved in the discussions revealed that while some contentious points had been addressed, disagreements persist over the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed by "Israel" and the future positioning of Israeli troops within Gaza.

Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli echoed these concerns, stating that the two sides are closer to an agreement than they have been in months but mentioned that unresolved issues could determine the success or longevity of any truce.

"This ceasefire can last six months or it can last 10 years, it depends on the dynamics that will form on the ground," Chikli told Israeli radio. He added that much depends on determining who will oversee Gaza's governance and reconstruction post-conflict. The duration of the ceasefire remains a sticking point, with Hamas seeking a complete end to hostilities while "Israel" demands an end to Hamas' control of Gaza as a precondition.

Chikli noted that the ceasefire would begin with a humanitarian phase lasting 42 days, during which captives would be released. Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin suggested that a second stage of negotiations would address the broader conflict resolution framework.

Gaza Devastation

The ongoing genocide has so far claimed the lives of over 45,200 Palestinians, according to local health officials. Gaza has been devastated, with most of its population displaced and vital infrastructure in ruins.

On Monday, medics reported at least 11 more Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, while Kamal Adwan Hospital, located on Gaza's northern edge, issued an urgent appeal after sustaining damage from nearby shelling. "We are facing a continuous daily threat," said hospital director Hussam Abu Safiya, describing severe risks to staff and patients.

The Israeli military claimed it had been providing fuel and food to the hospital and facilitating some evacuations but did not immediately address accusations of shelling, despite evidence of damage to the facility and reports from medical staff.