Witkoff hopes to finalize Gaza ceasefire deal this week
- U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff is traveling to Doha for ceasefire talks.
- Negotiations have made progress, with key issues being addressed.
- Conclusions are anticipated regarding a ceasefire agreement by the week's end.
In the context of ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is set to travel to Doha, Qatar, for ceasefire negotiations aiming for an agreement by the end of the week. The White House has confirmed negotiations are advancing, with progress noted towards resolving key issues. Despite this, tensions within Israel are apparent, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich emphasizing the necessity of continuing military action against Hamas, while opposition leader Yair Lapid calls for the war to end. Currently, negotiations are focused on the mechanisms for ceasefire implementation, including withdrawal processes and humanitarian aid clauses. The United States continues to urge Qatar to fulfill its mediating role, with both U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu deeply involved in discussions. Recent statements suggest that a ceasefire could last for 60 days if an agreement is reached, with current talks reducing the contentious issues to just one. As of now, the atmosphere in Doha is described as positive, and expectations are high for imminent developments.