(VOVWORLD) - Negotiations involving Israel and relevant parties to de-escalate hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon are showing promising progress.
According to Israeli media, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday consulted with government officials, military leaders, and intelligence officials on the possibility of ending the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer suggested that Israel should pursue a ceasefire, leveraging recent military successes. Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Halevi advised pursuing a ceasefire agreement through negotiations, suggesting that the current situation in Lebanon could lead to a separate resolution from the conflict in Gaza.
Earlier, Israel’s Ynet news agency reported that several senior Israeli officials confirmed progress in negotiations for a 60-day ceasefire between the IDF and Hezbollah. The talks are reportedly at an advanced stage, and US Special Envoy for the Middle East Amos Hochstein may return to Israel and Lebanon by November 5 to finalize the agreement.
Regarding the potential ceasefire and hostage exchange with Hamas in Gaza, Ynet reported that a one-month ceasefire proposal is being considered, involving the release of 11 to 14 hostages, including women and the elderly. Israel’s Shin Bet security agency head, Ronen Bar, recently presented this proposal to Qatar during his visit to Doha.
Meanwhile, senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri stated that the group is reviewing a new ceasefire proposal, though he did not specify whether it pertains to an Egyptian-mediated two-day ceasefire and the release of four hostages or the one-month proposal involving 11-14 hostages. He emphasized that any agreement must ensure a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Qatar has committed to working with the US administration toward a ceasefire agreement before November 5, ahead of the US presidential election.