Israel and Palestine explore new ceasefire deal with US envoy

(CLO) Israel and Palestine are launching new efforts to reach a new ceasefire agreement, US special envoy.

In a phone call with US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on December 11, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said there was a chance of reaching an agreement that would allow all hostages, including US citizens, to be released.

However, a Western diplomat in the region said the deal could be limited to the release of some hostages and a short-term pause in fighting. If achieved, it would be the second ceasefire since the conflict broke out in October 2023.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Photo: Reuters

Optimism about a ceasefire is growing as US national security adviser Jake Sullivan arrives in Israel for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on December 12. Sullivan will then travel to Egypt and Qatar, two countries that have played a key role in the negotiations.

US President-elect Donald Trump has previously demanded that Hamas release hostages held in Gaza before he takes office from President Joe Biden on January 20. Mr Trump warned that if he did not, there would be “severe consequences”.

Adam Boehler, Trump’s special envoy for hostages, has been involved in the efforts and has spoken with both Biden and Netanyahu. There are currently 100 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, including seven American citizens.

Speaking about the situation, Mr. Boehler called on Hamas to seize the opportunity to reach an agreement: "Do it now, because every day that passes, it will become more difficult and more Hamas people will die."

A deal reached now would also be politically beneficial for Prime Minister Netanyahu, who said the weakening of Hamas, especially after the fall of the Syrian government, had opened up an opportunity to resolve the hostage issue.

According to security sources, the leaders of the Israeli army and the Shin Bet security agency were in Cairo to discuss the management of Gaza after the conflict.

Hamas has reportedly asked other factions in Gaza to help identify the living and dead hostages. A Palestinian negotiator said that despite proposals from mediators such as Egypt and Qatar, the talks are still ongoing with major differences unresolved.

Hamas demands a complete ceasefire, while Israel says the conflict will only end when Hamas no longer rules Gaza.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is also traveling to Jordan and Türkiye for talks on Syria. Although Israel is not on the official itinerary, he is likely to add this stop to the talks.

Ngoc Anh (according to Reuters)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/israel-va-palestine-khoi-dong-thoa-thuan-ngung-ban-moi-cung-phai-vien-my-post325305.html