AssetID: 54429014
Headline: UNCAPTIONED: Hamas and Israel Near Ceasefire Agreement Amid Key Disputes
Caption: Hamas and Israel Near Ceasefire Agreement Amid Key Disputes. Hamas and Israel are reportedly nearing a ceasefire agreement that includes exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to a Hamas official, CNN News reports. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged progress, stating that Israel is committed to securing a hostage deal with support from the U.S. Negotiations, hosted in Doha, face key obstacles, including Hamas’ demand for Israel to withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border. Hamas seeks a permanent ceasefire, rejecting a temporary halt to Israeli military operations launched after Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack. A major disagreement remains over an Israeli-proposed buffer zone inside Gaza. Israel wants a 2,000-meter depth, while Hamas insists on reverting to a pre-October 7 range of 300-500 meters. Hamas claims Israel’s proposed buffer would keep 60 km of Gaza under Israeli control, preventing displaced residents from returning home. Negotiators are discussing Palestinian prisoner release details and maps outlining Israeli military withdrawals. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, under pressure from current and incoming U.S. administrations, discussed negotiation progress with President Joe Biden. Far-right Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the potential deal, calling it a "surrender" that compromises national security. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the deal is "very close," but cautioned that negotiations remain unresolved until finalized. Instructions: THIS VIDEO MUST NOT BE EDITED FOR LENGTH TO COMBINE WITH OTHER CONTENT
Keywords: Current Affairs & Politics,Hamas,Israel,Near,Ceasefire,Agreement,Amid,Key,Disputes,Exchanging,Hostages,Palestinian,Prisoners,Israel-Hamas,War,Gaza Strip,Foreign Minister,Gideon Saar,Benjamin Netanyahu,Prime Minister,Jake Sullivan,National Security,Adviser,Finance Minister,Bezalel Smotrich
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