Israel and US in Talks with Qatar to Arrange Three-Day Pause in Fighting in Gaza

Israel and the United States are in discussions with Qatar to arrange a three-day pause in fighting in Gaza, according to two foreign diplomats. The proposed pause would allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid and the possible release of some hostages held by Hamas.

The war in Gaza, which began on October 7th, has now entered its second month, with no end in sight. Over 70% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million have already fled their homes, and thousands more are now fleeing south on foot with only what they can carry after running out of food and water in the north.

A senior Arab source familiar with the negotiations said that there is hope that a deal can still be reached, and that they are at a “critical stage” of the negotiations. Israeli officials have said that Hamas must first release all of the roughly 240 hostages it is holding before they will agree to a cease-fire.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza is becoming increasingly dire, and the international community is working to find a solution to the conflict. The proposed three-day pause in fighting would allow for the delivery of much-needed aid and the possible release of hostages. It is unclear if Israel and Hamas will be able to reach an agreement, but negotiations are ongoing.