It is estimated that more than 130 people are still in the hands of the Islamist Hamas. Negotiations for her release are ongoing, but there are disagreements within the leadership.
There is still no sign of an agreement in the ongoing negotiations in the Gaza war about a new ceasefire and the release of further hostages. The talks are being made difficult, among other things, by disagreement within the leadership of the Islamist Hamas, the Wall Street Journal reported on Saturday night, citing people familiar with the negotiations. Accordingly, the Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip, Jihia al-Sinwar, is now ready to accept a proposal for an initial six-week ceasefire. The Hamas political leadership, which lives in exile, is demanding more concessions and wants to negotiate a permanent ceasefire.
According to media reports, the intelligence chiefs of the USA, Israel, Egypt and Qatar recently negotiated a draft for a possible agreement in Paris that would initially provide for a six-week ceasefire and a gradual release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israel’s war cabinet has not yet approved the proposal either. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that he does not want to agree to an agreement “at any price”. The war will not be ended, the troops will not be withdrawn and “thousands of terrorists” will not be released from prison for a hostage deal.
US Secretary of State travels to the Middle East again
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected again for crisis talks in the Middle East. He will visit Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel and the West Bank from this Saturday to February 8th, said ministry spokesman Matthew Miller on Friday (local time) in Washington. Blinken’s fifth trip to the Middle East since the Gaza war began nearly four months ago comes in the wake of the sweeping U.S. military strike on targets in Iraq and Syria. Washington was reacting to the deadly attack by pro-Iranian militias on American soldiers in Jordan a few days ago. US President Joe Biden has already announced further military action, but emphasized that the United States does not want a new conflict in the Middle East.
Meanwhile, his Secretary of State Blinken wants to continue his diplomatic efforts to reach an agreement on a new ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas and the release of all hostages still held in Gaza, as Miller said. Such a ceasefire should enable permanent and increased humanitarian aid to the civilian population in Gaza. Blinken will also continue to work to prevent the conflict from spreading. He also wanted to continue discussions with partners about how to create a peaceful settlement in the region that would provide lasting security for Israelis and Palestinians alike, it said.
Terrorist attack on Israel
Hamas abducted more than 250 hostages to the Gaza Strip in its unprecedented terrorist attack on Israel on October 7th. It is estimated that more than 130 people are still in their power. Relatives in Israel are strongly urging Netanyahu’s right-wing government to negotiate a new deal to release the abductees.
Source: Stern
I have been working in the news industry for over 6 years, first as a reporter and now as an editor. I have covered politics extensively, and my work has appeared in major newspapers and online news outlets around the world. In addition to my writing, I also contribute regularly to 24 Hours World.
