(TURKISH JOURNAL) Şevval Tufan – Efforts to broker a ceasefire deal in Gaza, aimed at securing the release of Israeli hostages and halting the ongoing conflict, are unlikely to materialize before the start of Ramadan, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. Despite days of intensive discussions in Cairo, negotiators have not reached a draft agreement as hoped, with one diplomat describing the talks as “very hectic.” American officials share the pessimism, noting that the prospects of Israel and Hamas agreeing to a temporary truce by the beginning of the Muslim holy month next week are dimming.
This setback follows weeks of urgency from the Biden administration, stressing the need for a ceasefire before Ramadan to prevent further escalation in the five-month war. However, both sides remain at an impasse, with Israel demanding a list of hostages from Hamas before committing to the proposed pause. While hopes for an immediate breakthrough are dwindling, there remains some optimism that a deal could be reached in the early weeks of Ramadan, despite recent setbacks in the negotiations. The ongoing conflict has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with approximately a quarter of the population on the brink of famine, according to the United Nations.
The Biden administration has escalated its criticism of Israel’s refusal to open more border crossings to allow aid into Gaza, particularly to address needs in the northern region. Despite the lack of a ceasefire, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgent need to increase humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. However, he acknowledged the challenges in reaching a ceasefire deal before Ramadan during a meeting with Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, who has played a central role in the mediation efforts. While obstacles persist, the State Department remains committed to pushing for a ceasefire agreement, emphasizing its importance for Israel, the Palestinian people, and the broader region.
Source: CNN
