Mediators Pursue Short-Term Truce in Gaza Lasting Under a Month

Photo : Reuters

Mediators attempting to negotiate a ceasefire in Gaza are set to propose a short-term truce lasting less than a month to the Palestinian militant group Hamas, according to sources familiar with the discussions. These talks, which took place in Doha and concluded on Monday, included high-profile officials such as Mossad chief David Barnea, CIA director Bill Burns, and Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

The focus of the discussions has been on establishing a "short-term" truce that would involve exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons while also increasing humanitarian aid to Gaza. The source, who requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations, indicated that U.S. officials believe reaching a temporary agreement could pave the way for a more permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict.

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

The involvement of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt in these discussions follows months of unproductive negotiations aimed at establishing a ceasefire along with the release of hostages and prisoners. In a bid to break the stalemate nearing the end of President Joe Biden's administration, Washington and Doha initiated fresh in-person talks last week to explore new options for achieving a truce.

The timing of the Doha talks is significant, as they aim to secure a swift resolution that could enhance Biden's legacy, especially with the U.S. presidential elections approaching on November 5. This urgency is echoed in an Egyptian proposal for a two-day truce accompanied by a limited exchange of hostages and prisoners, which Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi suggested could serve as a stepping stone to a more permanent ceasefire. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu later commented that he had not received the Egyptian proposal but would have accepted it without hesitation had it been presented.

Recent developments, including the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, have revitalized hopes for progress in the truce talks. Previous in-person negotiations held in August in Egypt and Qatar, which aimed to adjust an earlier truce proposal presented by Biden in May, ended without a definitive agreement. That initial plan sought to freeze hostilities for six weeks while facilitating the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and allowing humanitarian aid to enter Gaza.