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John Kirby, communications director for the US National Security Council, speaks of “constructive” talks in the Israel-Gaza war.
(The photo was taken in October 2023.)
Photo: Ken Cedeno / POOL / EPA
There are signs of progress in negotiations over a ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Israel-Gaza war.
The talks between international mediators were “constructive,” said US National Security Council Communications Director John Kirby.
White House Middle East Coordinator Brett McGurk had previously held talks in Israel, including with Defense Secretary Yoav Galant.
After the meeting, he announced that the Israeli negotiators negotiating the release of the hostages would be given expanded powers.
Meeting in Paris
According to Israeli media reports, the negotiators from Egypt, the USA and Qatar want to meet in Paris this Friday for further talks.
Israel has also agreed to send a delegation to Paris, reported the US newspaper “Wall Street Journal” and the Israeli television channel Channel 12. The “Times of Israel” wrote that the head of the Israeli secret service Mossad would also be at the meeting participate.
The last ceasefire talks collapsed two weeks ago when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed as "delusional" a Hamas proposal for a four-and-a-half-month ceasefire that would end with an Israeli withdrawal.
Hamas chief Ismail Haniyyeh was in Egypt this week - the strongest sign in weeks that negotiations are continuing.
vet/dap/Reuters