January 13, 2025 09:00 GMT
ISRAEL: RTRS-'Breakthrough' In Gaza Ceasefire Talks
ISRAEL
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Reuters reports that a breakthrough has been reached in Doha following talks between Israeli security and policy chiefs, US President-elect Donald Trump's Middle East envoy Steven Witkoff and Qatari PM and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani. Claims that a 'final' draft of a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal has been sent to Israel and Hamas for approval. The official claims that the Qatari PM met with representatives from Hamas while Witkoff met with the Israeli delegation in an effort to push both sides towards a deal.
- Israel's N12 reports the deal is largely similar to the three-stage agreement put forward by the Biden administration in May. This would see 34 hostages defined as 'humanitarians' released, followed by discussions on the second stage from the 16th day of the ceasefire including returning young men and soldiers. The third stage will see broader talks on governing Gaza and reconstruction.
- NYT highlights the issues that have dogged talks for some time. NYT: "[Netanyahu was] still unwilling to declare an end of the war as part of [the May draft deal]. Israel is insisting on a vaguer formula that leaves room for ambiguity and for a resumption of fighting at some point,[...] the Americans were supposed to provide mediators with a guarantee that the United States would work to bring the war to an end, [...]Hamas is also demanding detailed maps from Israel showing where it will withdraw to, [...] disagreements remain about the timing of an Israeli troop withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor"
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