TEL AVIV (dpa-AFX) – Israel described talks in Paris on Sunday about a possible new ceasefire in the Gaza war and the release of more hostages as “constructive”. But there is still a “significant gap” between the different positions, said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office after a meeting between CIA intelligence chief William Burns and representatives of Israel, Egypt and Qatar. Those involved wanted to meet again this week to continue discussions, it was said.
According to information from the New York Times, a draft text from the US government was discussed in Paris, which is based on suggestions from Israel and the Islamist Hamas. According to the plan, the Palestinian extremists would release more than 100 hostages and Israel would halt its military operation in the Gaza Strip for about two months.
During a seven-day ceasefire in November, captive Israeli children and women were exchanged for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. But just over 130 people are said to still be in the hands of the terrorists. There are said to be two children, 18 women and a 13-year-old, as well as several Germans. The oldest hostage is 85 years old, the youngest is one year old.
According to the draft, fighting should be paused for 30 days in a first phase. During this time, Hamas should release female, elderly and injured hostages. In parallel, both sides should negotiate a second phase in which Israeli men and soldiers taken hostage would be released in return for a further 30 days of ceasefire./le/DP/jha