Israeli govt likely to vote on Gaza deal by Thursday
A Palestinian delegation handed Hamas’s approval of the proposed ceasefire and captives deal to the mediators in Qatar and Egypt
Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said today (15 January) that he is shortening his Europe visit to participate in security cabinet and government votes on a Gaza ceasefire and captive release deal, reports Al Jazeera.
"Following the progress in the hostage release negotiations, Minister Saar cut short his diplomatic visit, which was scheduled to continue tomorrow in Hungary," the Israeli Foreign Ministry said in a statement.
According to the release, the foreign minister will return to Israel tonight to participate in the expected discussions and votes in the security cabinet and government.
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Meanwhile, the Palestinian group has told Al Jazeera Arabic that a delegation, led by Khalil al-Hayya, handed Hamas's approval of the proposed ceasefire and captives deal to the mediators in Qatar and Egypt.
Negotiators were trying to hammer out the final details of a complex, phased ceasefire in Gaza on Wednesday after marathon talks in Qatar aiming to end a conflict that has inflicted widespread death and destruction and upended the Middle East, reports Reuters.
More than eight hours of talks in Doha had fuelled optimism. Officials from mediators Qatar, Egypt and the US as well as Israel and Hamas said on Tuesday that an agreement for a truce in the besieged Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages was closer than ever.
