Reuters – Negotiators in Qatar appeared close to sealing a deal on Wednesday for a ceasefire in the war in Gaza between Israel and the militant group Hamas after 15 months of war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and demolished the enclave.
Hamas had given verbal approval to the ceasefire and hostage return proposal under negotiation in Qatar and was waiting for more information to give final written approval, a Palestinian official, who asked not to be named, told Reuters.
A Hamas official who declined to be named also said the group had not yet given a written response to the proposal.
Qatar’s foreign said it will hold a press conference on Wednesday evening in Doha, where the Gaza ceasefire talks have taken place. It did not say what time it would begin.
Earlier, an Israeli official said Hamas had agreed to the proposal shared by Qatari negotiators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said shortly afterward that Hamas had not yet given a response.
Officials from mediators Qatar, Egypt and the U.S. as well as Israel and Hamas said on Tuesday an agreement was closer than ever for a truce in the besieged enclave, the release of hostages held there, and the freeing of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
A Palestinian official close to the talks said on Wednesday: “I am hopeful a deal can be signed tonight, latest tomorrow.”
A senior Hamas official had told Reuters late on Tuesday it had not yet delivered its response because it was still waiting for Israel to submit maps showing how its forces would withdraw from Gaza.
