Negotiations in Gaza: hopes for a ceasefire agreement as Pope calls for dialogue

The conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hamas has reached day 212. Talks have resumed in Cairo to reach a ceasefire agreement. The first day of negotiations concluded without an agreement, but Hamas has reported that negotiations will continue today.

According to an Arab source, “the draft on the table is the best one presented so far, and acceptance is imminent.” Even though Israel has stated that the war will continue regardless, it seems that the Palestinian fundamentalists are willing to release the kidnapped individuals. “Stopping the attacks and the withdrawal of Israeli troops remain the main issues,” Hamas emphasized.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on social media that “the government unanimously decided to close the incitement channel Al Jazeera in Israel.”

Pope Francis, during the Regina Coeli with the faithful in St. Peter’s Square, prayed for peace in Palestine and Israel, emphasizing the need for dialogue to strengthen and bear good fruit. He also extended his thoughts and prayers to the “suffering Ukraine.”

In a recent airstrike, a senior Hamas commander, Aiman Zaarab, from the Bureij battalion of the terrorist group, was killed. The Israeli army also eliminated two other Islamic Jihad terrorists who were staying in his operational apartment.

An Arab official confirmed to Sky News Arabia that the proposed agreement between Israel and Hamas to stop the war in the Gaza Strip is “the best since the beginning of negotiations,” with imminent acceptance. However, there are concerns that both parties may backtrack and return to square one. The official warned that Netanyahu and some Hamas leaders may complicate the approval of the much-awaited agreement for their own political reasons.

The situation remains delicate, with hopes for a ceasefire agreement while political considerations weigh heavily on the decision-making process. The international community continues to monitor the developments closely in the region.