Significant Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Talks Based on ‘Gradual Deal’

An Israeli woman participates in a march demanding the expedited release of hostages held by Hamas in Tel Aviv on Friday (Reuters)
An Israeli woman participates in a march demanding the expedited release of hostages held by Hamas in Tel Aviv on Friday (Reuters)
TT
20

Significant Progress in Gaza Ceasefire Talks Based on ‘Gradual Deal’

An Israeli woman participates in a march demanding the expedited release of hostages held by Hamas in Tel Aviv on Friday (Reuters)
An Israeli woman participates in a march demanding the expedited release of hostages held by Hamas in Tel Aviv on Friday (Reuters)

Talks on prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, set to continue in the coming days in Paris, have witnessed proposed plans for a phased deal, delaying disputed issues till later, insider sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

Mediators received positive signals, indicating that Hamas is open to postponing tough decisions to later stages, the sources affirmed.

The newly proposed framework includes a six-week pause in the conflict and the release of between 200 and 300 Palestinians from Israeli prisons in exchange for 35 to 40 hostages still held by Hamas.

“Efforts are on for a gradual comprehensive deal, with the first phase expected before Ramadan. Talks for the second and third phases will address complex issues like prisoner numbers and Israeli army withdrawal,” sources told Asharq Al-Awsat.

“Hamas is flexible but firm on its demands,” they noted, adding that the Palestinian group “insists on residents returning to the north in the second phase and discussing an end to the war in the third, which must include an agreement on prisoner releases.”

Sources reveal Hamas’ flexibility aims to secure a deal before Ramadan, averting a Rafah incursion and countering Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s argument against a full ceasefire due to his government’s extremist elements.

The approach focuses on ending the conflict gradually, not all at once.

Adaptability shown by Hamas has paved the way for genuine talks and a proposed new framework.

Israeli officials, speaking to local media, praised the Paris talks for their progress, surpassing expectations.

The Paris discussions involved CIA Director William Burns, Qatari PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, and Israeli Mossad chief David Barnea.

The head of Egyptian intelligence arrived in Paris after meeting with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Cairo recently.

Haniyeh stated that Hamas has been cooperating positively with mediators to stop the attacks, lift the blockade, allow aid, shelter, and reconstruction.

Negotiations are currently focused on four key Hamas demands that Israel opposes: the return of northern Gaza residents, withdrawal of Israeli forces, ceasefire terms, and the number of prisoners to be released.

Israeli reports suggest flexibility on aid and ceasefire duration but disagreement on ending the war.



UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
TT
20

UK PM Tells Netanyahu Peace Process ‘Should Lead’ to Palestinian State

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer holds a press conference on the Southport attacks in the Downing Street Briefing Room in London, Britain, 21 January 2025. (EPA)

UK premier Keir Starmer told Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday that any peace process in the Middle East should pave the way for a Palestinian state, Downing Street said.

The two leaders held a call that focused on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, a UK government spokesperson said.

During the conversation, "both agreed that we must work towards a permanent and peaceful solution that guarantees Israel's security and stability", the British readout of the call added.

"The prime minister added that the UK stands ready to do everything it can to support a political process, which should also lead to a viable and sovereign Palestinian state."

Starmer also "reiterated that it was vital to ensure humanitarian aid can now flow uninterrupted into Gaza, to support the Palestinians who desperately need it", the statement added.

Starmer "offered his personal thanks for the work done by the Israeli government to secure the release of the hostages, including British hostage Emily Damari", the statement added.

"To see the pictures of Emily finally back in her family's arms was a wonderful moment but a reminder of the human cost of the conflict," Starmer added, according to the statement.

A truce agreement between Israel and Hamas to end 15 months of war in Gaza came into effect on Sunday.

The first part of the three-phase deal should last six weeks and see 33 hostages returned from Gaza in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.