Resumption of negotiations in Cairo to reach a truce in Gaza and an agreement to release hostages. The ball is in Hamas’s court, says the United States. Palestinian organization says truce could be signed by ” 24, 48 hours » if Israel accepts its demands.
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This is the continuation of the standoff around mediation for a new agreement between Israel and Hamas, says our correspondent in Jerusalem, Michael Paul. The issue remains a truce and an exchange of Palestinian hostages and prisoners for Ramadan which begins in a week. Israel, this morning of March 3, remains firm on its positions which could be reiterated a little later today during the weekly Council of Ministers meeting here in Jerusalem.
Israeli officials are awaiting Hamas’ response to the framework formula established at the Paris meeting. At this point, Israel suspends its participation in the negotiations taking place in Cairo and demands that Hamas communicate in advance the list of hostages whom he is holding in Gaza and who are still alive.
A six-week truce?
No reaction to optimistic reports from Washington according to which the Israelis have “more or less” accepted the cease-fire proposal, in the words used by a senior American official. On the negotiating table is a six-week truce and also the release of hostages considered to be the most vulnerable, the sick, the injured, the elderly and women. From the Israeli point of view it is therefore still waiting.
On the Palestinian side, “ If Israel agrees to Hamas’ demands, which include the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza and an increase in humanitarian aid, it could pave the way for a deal (on a truce) in the next 24 or 48 hours “, said this senior official on March 3 morning, on condition of anonymity, while negotiations were to be held on Sunday in Cairo, reports AFP.
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