Accelerated mediation efforts by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are underway to reach a **Gaza ceasefire agreement**, anchored in the **Witkoff Plan**. Negotiations are currently centered on three key obstacles that have delayed Hamas’ approval:
1. **Ceasefire During Talks**
* The original plan called for a 60-day ceasefire, during which 10 Israeli hostages (alive) and 18 bodies would be released in two phases: day 1 and day 7, against the release of 1,236 Palestinian prisoners.
* U.S. amendments propose releasing 8 hostages on day 1 and 2 on day 30, and maintain the ceasefire “as long as negotiations continue in good faith.”
* Hamas rejects “good faith” phrasing, fearing it could justify renewed conflict, and demands phased releases throughout the period.
2. **Humanitarian Aid Access**
* Israel insists aid be managed by a U.S.-overseen entity, while Hamas calls for international organizations operating in Gaza to distribute assistance.
* Talks focus on mechanisms to ensure aid is not diverted or exploited by any party.
3. **Israeli Military Positioning**
* Hamas demands Israel withdraw to pre-March 2 positions; Israel insists troops remain where currently stationed.
* Mediators are seeking a balanced framework acceptable to both sides.
Washington views the agreement as a step toward **Arab–Israeli normalization** and an Iranian regional rapprochement. The U.S. optimism suggests a **partial deal could emerge next week**, according to Trump.
Israeli Prime Minister **Benjamin Netanyahu** is reportedly favoring a **comprehensive agreement** that would dismantle Gaza’s militant capacities, withdraw armed groups, implement local governance, and pave the way for reconstruction.
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## ✅ **(Tags):**
* Gaza ceasefire negotiations
* Witkoff Gaza plan
* US mediation Gaza
* Hamas Israel hurdles
* Ceasefire humanitarian access
* Israeli military withdrawal Gaza
* Partial deal next week
* Middle East peace talks
* Arab Israeli normalization
* US Qatar Egypt mediation
* Netanyahu comprehensive deal
* Humanitarian aid Gaza mechanism
* Good faith negotiations phrase
* Hamas dema
nds ceasefire
* Trump Gaza statement
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