Another Hamas official, Issat er-Reshiq, told the pan-Arab news channel al-Jazeera that the negotiations are primarily about the length of the ceasefire, aid to be delivered to the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.
Both sides agree to release women and children, and the result of the discussions will be announced by the Qatari government, which is taking on the role of mediator in the negotiations – added Resík.
Discussions regarding the abducted Israelis detained in Gaza have been going on for weeks. Mikál Hercog, Israel’s ambassador to Washington, said on ABC American news television on Sunday that he hopes to reach an agreement within days, and Qatari Prime Minister Muhammad bin Abdul Rahman Al Sani also said that between the parties, only “very minor” issues remained.
The indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have, by the way, almost reached a cease-fire several times, but these usually collapse at the last moment due to some critical event.
Cover image source: Getty Images
