A source in the Hamas movement confirmed to Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip is expected to be signed by the end of this week if no new complications arise. The source pointed out that “most of the cases have been closed. Agreement is imminent.” He went on to explain that discussions have been resolved on the most important issues, while some details remain under discussion. According to the source, the agreement provides in the first phase for a cease-fire and the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the urban centers, not from the Gaza Strip, while remaining partially in the Netzarim and Philadelphia axes, on the condition that all women and children can return to the north of the Gaza Strip. At a later, gradual stage, men are expected to return according to an agreed mechanism. “There are persistent attempts to include men on the scene as well, negotiations are still ongoing.” In the first phase, which will last 45 to 60 days, the movement will hand over about 30 Israeli prisoners, dead or alive, in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners, including dozens sentenced to life in prison. The agreement calls for the handover of the Rafah crossing to the Palestinian Authority, but not immediately and as part of arrangements also overseen by Egypt. According to the source, Hamas believes it has made important concessions by dropping conditions to stop the war and completely withdrawing the army from the Gaza Strip in the first phase, but stressed that the movement has received guarantees to achieve the goal in the next phase. Both Israel and Hamas confirmed yesterday that significant progress had been made. Defense Minister Israel Katz said the agreement is “closer than ever,” after “things that were obstacles in the past have disappeared.” Hamas issued a statement confirming that “in light of the serious and positive discussions taking place in Doha, reaching an agreement on the ceasefire and prisoner exchange is possible if the occupation stops setting new conditions.”
(ITALPRESS).
-Photo: Photogram Agency-
Gaza ceasefire agreement appears to be closer
