Title: International Mediation Pursues Israeli Hostage-Palestinian Prisoner Exchange Amid Gaza Ceasefire Talks
In a concerted effort involving Qatar, the US, and Egypt, intensive international mediation endeavors are underway to facilitate the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners during a proposed month-long ceasefire in Gaza. Reuters reported on Tuesday that shuttle diplomacy has been ongoing since December 28, with both Israel and Hamas expressing broad agreement in principle to the framework plan. However, differences between the two sides regarding a permanent resolution to the Gaza conflict are impeding progress.
The White House confirmed active discussions on the issue, with its envoy engaging in the mediation efforts. The US State Department, White House, Qatar’s foreign ministry, and Egypt’s State Information Service have not immediately responded to requests for comments on the reported developments.
Israel recently faced its worst loss of soldiers in over three months of conflict, with 24 deaths occurring in two separate incidents on Monday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirmed that the objectives of the war against the Palestinian Hamas movement remained unchanged, emphasizing ongoing efforts to secure the release of more than 100 hostages.
Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy emphasized that any ceasefire must not leave Hamas in power and hostages in Gaza, following the group’s cross-border rampage on October 7, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis.
Palestinian health officials reported at least 195 Palestinians killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the documented death toll from Israeli airstrikes and shelling to 25,490. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres decried the “collective punishment of the Palestinian people,” denouncing Israel’s opposition to the creation of a Palestinian state.
The recent soldier casualties occurred as Israel launched its largest operation in a month, aiming to seize remaining parts of Khan Younis and encircle Gaza’s main southern city, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians seek shelter.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson, Majed Al-Ansari, expressed optimism, stating that ideas had been presented to both sides, eliciting responses. White House spokesperson John Kirby confirmed “sober and serious” discussions on securing a humanitarian pause and the release of hostages.
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