Trump's Middle East envoy to meet with Netanyahu for Gaza ceasefire
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Steve Witkoff is set to meet Benjamin Netanyahu in occupied Palestine, in effort to secure a ceasefire in Gaza befoe Trump's inauguration.
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Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip, as seen from Sderot, southern occupied Palestine, Monday, Jan. 6, 2025. (AP)
US President-elect Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday to secure a prisoner exchange agreement and ceasefire deal in Gaza, an Israeli official stated.
A second Israeli official reported progress in mediated negotiations for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, facilitated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, aimed at reaching a Gaza ceasefire.
On January 7, Hamas' representative in Lebanon, Ahmad Abdel Hadi, told Al Mayadeen that Hamas exhibited great flexibility in order to reach an agreement throughout the talks, revealing that all controversial and outstanding points were successfully resolved, primarily to ensure the end of the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Abdel Hadi stated that "the ball is now in Netanyahu's court, particularly after agreeing to all clauses, and only he can obstruct the agreement or sign it."
He also emphasized Hamas' insistence that any possible agreement include a clear commitment to a full end of the war, a full withdrawal from Gaza, and the return of displaced citizens, stressing that the movement requested maps outlining the details of this withdrawal to ensure its implementation.
Read more: Blinken optimistic on Gaza ceasefire despite administration transition
