Indirect talks over Gaza ceasefire continue as Netanyahu arrives in Washington
Briefly

Indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at establishing a ceasefire and securing a hostage deal are ongoing. Israeli officials, including Minister Avi Dichter, anticipate discussions will broaden to include normalizing relations with Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Pressure from the U.S. for a resolution in Gaza is reportedly increasing, with suggestions of a potential ceasefire emerging in short order. The proposed agreement suggests a phased hostage release, Israeli troop withdrawals, and enhanced humanitarian aid, with a goal of ending the two-year conflict.
The current proposal envisages a phased release of about 50 hostages held by Hamas during an initial 60-day ceasefire, as well as the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, Israeli troop withdrawals from parts of Gaza, a surge of humanitarian aid and discussions on a definitive end to the 21-month conflict.
Trump has increased pressure for a deal in Gaza in recent weeks and raised the possibility that a ceasefire could be declared in a matter of hours or days.
Netanyahu said he was confident a deal could be achieved and that Israeli negotiators had been given clear instructions to achieve a ceasefire but only with conditions that Israel has already agreed.
Avi Dichter, an Israeli minister, mentioned a focus on creating a 'new Middle East' as they discussed the possibility of normalizing ties with Lebanon, Syria, and Saudi Arabia.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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