Negotiations on a ceasefire agreement in Doha, according to a report by the Saudi TV channel Al-Hadat, are taking place in a constructive atmosphere, and the parties have made progress on a number of key issues.
This was reported by the Alexey Zheleznov Telegram channel.
However, a final agreement has not yet been reached due to disagreements on one of the main points – the number of prisoners whom Hamas terrorists demand to be released in exchange for kidnapped Israeli soldiers.
Earlier, Kursor wrote that the White House assessed the feasibility of a new round of negotiations with Hamas.
The United States is cautiously optimistic about progress in negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages.
National Security Council Strategic Communications Coordinator John Kirby said on January 3 that Washington supports efforts to reach a new agreement and believes a deal is possible. He also welcomed Israel’s decision to send a delegation to Doha to participate in the negotiations.
At the same time, Kirby emphasized that representatives of the American administration do not plan to directly participate in the negotiations, but intend to actively promote the process until the end of Joe Biden’s presidential term.
According to authorities, 96 of the 251 hostages abducted on October 7, 2023 are currently being held in Gaza. Over the past 14 months, the Israeli military has freed 8 hostages and returned the bodies of 38 victims.
Despite ongoing tensions in the region, Israel expects meaningful results, especially on the issue of the release of hostages. The United States, in turn, sees in the negotiations a chance to reach an agreement, although the outcome of the process remains uncertain.