Israel today described negotiations in Paris on a possible new ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of more hostages as “constructive”. But there remains a “significant gap” between the different positions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said after a meeting between CIA intelligence chief William Burns and representatives from Israel, Egypt and Qatar.
Those involved wanted to meet again this week to continue discussions, it was said. According to information from the New York Times, a draft text by the US government was discussed in Paris, which is based on proposals from Israel and the Islamist Hamas. According to the plan, Palestinian extremists would release more than 100 hostages and Israel would halt its military operation in the Gaza Strip for about two months.
The first ceasefire is expected to last 30 days
During a seven-day ceasefire in November, captive Israeli children and women were exchanged for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. But just over 130 people are said to still be in the hands of the terrorists. Two children, 18 women and a 13-year-old teenager were among them. The oldest hostage is 85 years old and the youngest is one year old.
According to the project, fighting should be suspended for 30 days in the first phase. During this period, Hamas is expected to release female, elderly and injured hostages. At the same time, both sides should negotiate a second phase in which the Israeli men and soldiers taken hostage would be released in exchange for another 30 days of ceasefire.