By NewsBlogger CIA Director William J. Burns is working to negotiate a Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, but negotiations between Israel and Hamas have faced challenges, with the U.S. aiming for a three-phase agreement to halt hostilities during Ramadan.
At a glance
- CIA Director William J. Burns visited Cairo, Doha, and Amman to push for a Gaza cease-fire and negotiate hostage release before Ramadan.
- Israel and the U.S. blame Hamas for failing to agree to a proposal for a pause in fighting to free hostages.
- Hamas seeks a permanent end to the conflict, while Israel aims to dismantle the militant group.
- The Biden administration envisions a three-phase agreement, with Phase One involving a six-week ceasefire and release of hostages.
- Efforts continue to reach a comprehensive agreement and end the conflict in the region.
The details
CIA Director William J. Burns recently visited Cairo, Doha, and Amman in an effort to push for a Gaza cease-fire and negotiate the release of hostages before the start of Ramadan.
However, negotiations between Israel and Hamas have hit roadblocks.
Israel and the U.S. have blamed Hamas for failing to agree to a proposal that would free hostages during a pause in fighting.
Hamas is seeking a permanent end to the conflict, while Israel aims to dismantle the militant group.
Burns, who has been involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas since November, is facing challenges related to aid distribution in Gaza, the release of hostages, and military movements.
The Biden administration is under pressure to reach a deal and is envisioning a three-phase agreement.
The U.S. hopes for a temporary halt in hostilities during Ramadan, as concerns about violence persist, including clashes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank.
In the midst of these negotiations, the Muslim holy month of Ramadan began without a cease-fire deal in Gaza.
Gazans continue to face deprivation and ongoing strikes.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed his commitment to launching attacks on the southern Gazan city of Rafah.
President Biden has warned that an offensive on Rafah would cross a “red line.”
The negotiations between Israel and Hamas aim to establish a peace deal that would see the release of 10 Palestinian prisoners for every hostage held in Gaza.
The proposed deal, which includes releasing women, children, elderly, and wounded captives, falls short of fulfilling Hamas’ demand for a permanent end to the conflict.
The ceasefire deal is designed to halt fighting during Ramadan, with Phase One involving a six-week ceasefire, the prevention of the planned Israeli assault on Rafah, and the release of hostages.
Aerial reconnaissance operations over Gaza would also be halted for eight hours a day during this phase.
Phase Two of the agreement entails increasing aid to Gaza, including tents, caravans, and the rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries.
Heavy machinery and equipment would be permitted for humanitarian purposes in Gaza, with the condition that they are not used to threaten Israel.
Additionally, the U.S. military is set to construct a temporary pier for humanitarian aid in Gaza, although the aid will not be offloaded by the military.
In the midst of these negotiations, former President Trump and President Biden engaged in dueling rallies, with Trump falsely claiming that Biden would send military assistance to resupply Hamas.
The situation remains tense as efforts continue to reach a comprehensive agreement and bring an end to the conflict in the region.
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| washingtonpost.com |
|---|
| – CIA Director William J. Burns visited Cairo, Doha, and Amman to push Gaza cease-fire and hostage release talks before Ramadan – Israel and the U.S. blame Hamas for failing to agree to a proposal to free hostages during a pause in fighting – Hamas wants a permanent end to fighting, while Israel wants to destroy the militant group – Burns has been involved in negotiations between Israel and Hamas since November – Issues in negotiations include aid distribution in Gaza, hostages, and military movement – The Biden administration is under pressure to reach a deal, envisioning a three-phase agreement – The U.S. hopes for a temporary pause in fighting during Ramadan – Concerns about violence during Ramadan include clashes in East Jerusalem and the West Bank – Biden and Trump had dueling rallies, with Trump falsely claiming Biden would send military to resupply Hamas – U.S. military will construct a temporary pier for humanitarian aid in Gaza, but will not offload the aid |
| washingtonpost.com |
|---|
| – The Muslim holy month of Ramadan began without a cease-fire deal in Gaza – Gazans experienced deprivation and ongoing strikes as Ramadan started – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed commitment to attacking the southern Gazan city of Rafah – President Biden stated that an offensive on Rafah would cross a “red line” |
| telegraph.co.uk |
|---|
| – Israel and Hamas have been negotiating a peace deal – Drafts of the deal show 10 Palestinian prisoners could be released for every hostage held in Gaza – The deal does not fulfill Hamas’ main demand for a permanent end to the war – The deal includes releasing women, children, elderly, and wounded captives – The ceasefire deal aims to stop fighting for the holy Muslim month of Ramadan – Phase One of the deal includes a six-week ceasefire, stopping the planned Israeli assault on Rafah, and freeing hostages – Aerial reconnaissance operations over Gaza would stop for eight hours a day – Phase Two includes ramping up aid to Gaza, including tents, caravans, and rehabilitation of hospitals and bakeries – Heavy machinery and equipment would be allowed into Gaza for humanitarian purposes, with the condition that they are not used to threaten Israel |
