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VOA: Hamas accepts the American proposal for talks on hostages

2024-07-06 14:37:00, Kosova & Bota CNA
VOA: Hamas accepts the American proposal for talks on hostages
Gaza, source Reuters

Hamas has accepted the American proposal to start talks on the release of Israeli hostages, including soldiers and men, a senior source in the militant group told Reuters on Saturday.

The Islamic militant group has dropped its demand that Israel first commit to a permanent ceasefire before signing the deal.

A Palestinian official familiar with the internationally brokered peace effort said the proposal could lead to a framework agreement if accepted by Israel, ending the nine-month war in Gaza.

A source in Israel's negotiating team, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said there was now a real chance of reaching an agreement.

A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Saturday.

On Friday, his office said talks would continue next week, adding that the gap between the parties still remains.

The conflict has claimed the lives of more than 38,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas.

The war began after the militant group attacked the Jewish state on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages, mostly Israeli civilians.

The new proposal ensures that mediators guarantee a temporary ceasefire, the delivery of aid and the withdrawal of Israeli troops as long as indirect talks continue, the militant group's source said.

Efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza have intensified in recent days thanks to the mediation of Washington, Israel and Qatar, which is leading the effort from Doha, where the Hamas leader is holed up.

A source in the region said the US administration is trying to secure a deal before presidential elections in November.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that the head of the Mossad intelligence agency had just returned from an initial meeting with mediators in Qatar and that negotiations would continue next week./ VOA





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