Qatari Foreign Ministry: no breakthroughs in negotiations for hostage deal

Lowering expectations: Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Majed al-Ansaru responded today (Tuesday) to reports of progress in negotiations for a ceasefire and release of hostages, saying that, “there is no breakthrough to update on regarding a ceasefire and hostage deal.” He did add that: “Qatar is optimistic regarding the talks, in light of the continued exchange of ideas between the sides.”

Yesterday, al-Jazeera published the details of an agreement approved by Israel during the Paris summit last week, per which Israel agreed to free some 400 terrorists, including those serving long sentences, in exchange for the release of 40 hostages – elderly, women, and children – with Israeli citizenship.

The report also stated that Israel would agree to the gradual return of Palestinians to northern Gaza alongside more aid and heavy equipment. Israel also proposed that its forces be transferred outside dense areas and overflights of Gaza would end for eight hours every day.

Last night, American President Joe Biden said that he hopes there will be a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas starting next Monday. According to him, the ceasefire being discussed in Qatar will include the release of hostages.