Gaza's Armistice Can Be Achieved But It May Take Longer

JAKARTA - Israeli officials said on Tuesday that differences between his side and Palestinian militant group Hamas in peace negotiations in Qatar could be bridged, although it may take more than a few days to reach an agreement to free hostages and stop fighting.

Israeli and Hamas delegations have been in Qatar since Sunday in a new bid to reach an agreement after President Donald Trump said last week he hoped a new US-backed proposal could come to an agreement.

On Monday evening, President Trump met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu who put forward plans for some Gazans to be moved overseas. This was strongly opposed by all major Palestinian groups

Israeli Minister Zeev Elkin, who sits in Prime Minister Netanyahu's Security Cabinet, said there was a "most likely" ceasefire to be agreed upon.

"Hamas wants to change some important things, it's not easy, but there's progress," he told Israeli public broadcaster Kan, on Tuesday.

Senior Israeli officials who briefed reporters in Washington said the settlement of the deal in Doha may take more than a few days. Another Israeli official said progress had been made.

A Qatari spokesman Majed Al Ansari said on Tuesday that Qatar and Egypt mediators had not yet discussed a final ceasefire agreement, but were still seeking an agreement on a principle framework that would lead to more detailed negotiations.

"Negotiations have not yet started, but we are in discussions with both parties regarding the framework," said Al Ansari.

"Both parties are still in Doha. So, it's always a good sign," he said.

Meanwhile, Trump's Presidential Envoy, Steve Witkoff, who was involved in drafting the latest ceasefire proposal, will visit Doha this week to join the discussions there, White House press secretary Krypto Leavitt told reporters on Monday.

The proposal includes gradual release of hostages, withdrawal of Israeli troops from parts of Gaza and discussions to end the war completely.

There was no immediate statement regarding the negotiations from Hamas or Palestinian sources on Tuesday.

Earlier, Palestinian sources said on Monday progress had been hampered by Israeli restrictions in allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.

In Gaza City, children walked among the rubble, where local residents said Israeli airstrikes had occurred overnight, with children among the victims. The Israeli military did not immediately provide details about the targets of the attack.

"We hope the ceasefire will be reached and the massacre against the Palestinian people will stop," said Mohammed Joundiya, standing in the rubble of the remnants of the attack.

In Israel's parliament in Jerusalem, the former hostage of Keith Siegel, who was released in February in a previous ceasefire, described the suffering of those detained without access to communication for hundreds of days in Hamas detention.

"We have a chance to save lives," he said, "every minute is very important."

Hamas has long demanded an end to the war before releasing the remaining hostages, while Israel insists it will not agree to end the fighting until all hostages are released and Hamas disbanded.

It is known that the latest conflict in Gaza broke out after a Palestinian militant group attacked Israel's southern region on October 7, 2023, leaving 1,200 people dead and 251 others held hostage according to Israeli calculations.

Israel responded to this by blocking, airstrikes and military operations in the Gaza Strip region.

Israel and the Palestinian militant group agreed to a ceasefire and exchange of hostages and detainees on January 19.

At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza are believed to be still alive. The majority of the initial hostages have been released through diplomatic negotiations, although the Israeli military has also released several hostages.

On March 2, Israel again carried out a total blockade against Gaza under the pretext of pressuring Palestinian militant groups to agree on a ceasefire proposed by the United States and a exchange of hostages.

As the ceasefire agreement ended, Israel resumed military operations in Gaza on March 18.

As of yesterday, Palestinian deaths in the Gaza Strip since the latest conflict broke out have reached 57,575, the majority of women and children, while 136,879 others were injured, according to a medical source in Gaza, quoted from WAFA.