A Palestinian man holding his child evacuates as Israel strikes the southern Gaza Strip city of Khan Yunis on the 3rd (local time). News1,
, ‘Ceasefire negotiations in the ongoing Gaza war that has been taking place for 9 months since last October are making progress. Palestinian militant group Hamas has presented a new ceasefire proposal to the Israeli government, and reports have emerged that both sides are close to reaching a basic agreement for negotiations.’,
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, ‘CNN reported on the 3rd (local time) that according to Israeli sources familiar with the negotiation situation, Israel and Hamas seem to have almost reached a basic agreement for ceasefire and hostage release negotiations. The source stated, “Israeli authorities seem poised to engage in specific negotiations for the agreement.”‘,
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, ‘Hamas previously stated through a spokesperson, “We have exchanged some thoughts with mediators to stop attacks on the Palestinian people,” revealing their willingness for a ceasefire. Hamas negotiator Basem Naim told CNN, “We have presented some demands to secure a complete ceasefire and Israel’s withdrawal.”‘,
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, ‘The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office also issued a statement saying, “A negotiation team led by Mossad (Israeli intelligence agency) is currently reviewing the new ceasefire proposal presented by Hamas from the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt.”‘,
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, ‘If the ceasefire negotiations are successful, it is expected that the tension between Israel and Hamas, which has not progressed with U.S. President Joe Biden’s 3-stage ceasefire proposal, will be eased.’,
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, ‘President Biden previously proposed a 6-week ceasefire on May 31, urging both parties to accept it, which included withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in the Gaza Strip, exchange of some hostages including women and elderly, complete Israeli troop withdrawal, all hostage release by Hamas, and Gaza reconstruction.’,
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, ‘CNN forecasted that approval from Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli Prime Minister, is necessary for reaching an agreement, and negotiations on detailed matters such as the exchange and release order of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees are expected to take a few weeks. The Israeli negotiation team is planning to meet with Israeli leaders in the next few days to decide whether to start negotiations.’,
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, ‘As the war prolongs, voices demanding a ceasefire are increasing within Israel. The Israeli Hostages & Missing Persons Forum stated on social media the day before that if hostage release negotiations fail, millions of people will take to the streets.’,
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, ‘The forum emphasized in a statement, “The Israeli people have repeatedly shown support for a complete exchange for the return of hostages through opinion polls,” and said, “We will not let government ministers spoil this deal again.”‘,
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, ‘Continuing, they warned, “The government is facing the highest moral test of whether it will continue neglect or take decisive action for rescue and restoration,” saying, “Either the hostages return completely or all Israeli citizens will take to the streets.”‘,
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, ‘There are also calls within the military that a ceasefire is the best option for hostage release and that troops should regroup in preparation for war with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. The New York Times reported that senior Israeli officers want a Gaza ceasefire even if Hamas maintains power for the time being.’