Israel has set new conditions on its withdrawal from Gaza, a ceasefire, prisoner and hostage exchanges and the return of displaced Palestinians, delaying a deal that was within reach, Hamas said on Wednesday.
Negotiations on a ceasefire and exchange of prisoners are taking place in Doha with the mediation of Qatar and Egypt, in a serious manner, Hamas said in a statement.
Israeli and Palestinian media reported that efforts led by Qatari, Egyptian and American mediators had shown progress, although an agreement was still elusive.
Israel is conducting a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to a Hamas attack on Israel’s southern border on October 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.
The number of Palestinian victims in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 45,361, Gaza health authorities announced on Wednesday, Xnihua reports.
(Vijesti.ba/FENA)
