Israel and Hamas are ready for a new truce, but obstacles remain - Reuters
Date: 2023-12-18 Author: Кирило Загоруйко Categories: WORLD
Two Egyptian security sources said on Sunday that Israel and Hamas are ready to renew the ceasefire and release the hostages, although differences remain over how this will be implemented.
Egypt and Qatar, which had previously negotiated a week-long ceasefire and the release of hostages, insisted on speeding up aid and opening the Kerem Shalom crossing before any negotiations began, sources told Reuters.
An Israeli official said humanitarian aid was allowed to enter Gaza after Egyptian sources initially said it had been delayed.
Hopes for peace rose on Saturday when a source said Israel's intelligence chief spoke with the Qatari prime minister on Friday.
Hamas insists on drawing up a list of hostages to be released unilaterally and demands that Israeli forces withdraw beyond predetermined lines.
While Israel agreed that Hamas would draw up the list, sources said it demanded a time frame and review of the list before setting the time and duration of the ceasefire. Israel refuses to leave, the sources added.
Hamas says a complete ceasefire is a prerequisite for the release of the hostages, the sources said.
“It is important for me to make clear that the IDF is determined to complete the task of dismantling Hamas,” Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said at a news conference on Sunday.
