DOHA: Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson DR Majed Al Ansari has said that negotiations concerning a potential ceasefire in Gaza are in their final stages, with hopes high for a resolution.
Speaking during the weekly press briefing, Al Ansari emphasized that while optimism is warranted, caution must prevail until the deal is finalized. "We are at the brink of a historic agreement, but it's crucial not to get ahead of ourselves," he said.
Al Ansari clarified that the draft agreement had already been presented to both Israel and Hamas, with ongoing discussions aimed at ironing out the final details.
"The details are being worked through, and we are hopeful that this will bring an end to the suffering of the Palestinian people in Gaza, as well as the hostages and prisoners," he added.
He went on to explain that while there is no set timeline for announcing the agreement, Qatar remains optimistic about the outcome, stressing that the final stages are focused on implementation.
The spokesperson also underscored Qatar's unwavering stance on ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine, asserting that any decisions regarding Gaza’s governance post-agreement would be determined by the Palestinian people themselves.
"This is a Palestinian decision, and Qatar's role is to mediate and ensure the agreement's guarantees," Al Ansari emphasized.
Al Ansari also praised international and regional support for Qatar’s mediation efforts, particularly from the USunder both President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
These diplomatic efforts have been central to the ongoing negotiations.
A source close to the talks reported that Tuesday's meetings in Doha aim to finalize the last remaining details of the agreement. Key figures in these talks include Israel's Mossad chief, David Barnea, and USenvoys Brett McGurk and Steve Witkoff, alongside Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
As the negotiations move forward, Egyptian sources revealed plans to open the Rafah crossing to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid and the release of both Israeli and Palestinian detainees.
"Humanitarian assistance, including fuel and emergency supplies, will begin flowing from the first day of the ceasefire," an Egyptian official said.
Medical evacuations for the wounded are expected to start within a week of the agreement's implementation.
On Monday, Qatar sent the first draft of the ceasefire agreement to both Israel and Hamas, marking a significant step toward ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
A Hamas official confirmed receipt of the draft, stating that the movement would convene a central meeting to discuss the terms. "If the core issues vital to our people are addressed, we will respond positively," the official stated.
The agreement, which is divided into three phases, includes the release of 33 Israeli detainees in the first phase, followed by further releases in the second phase. The final phase will focus on longer-term arrangements, including discussions on Gaza’s governance and reconstruction plans.