There is a possibility of ceasefire between Israel and Hamas by next week

Tel Aviv: There is a possibility of a ceasefire in the coming week on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas over the release of hostages.

According to Israel Defense Ministry officials, high-level discussions are underway and a ceasefire will begin soon for the release of a batch of women, elderly and sick Israeli hostages from Hamas custody.

While Hamas is pushing for the complete withdrawal of Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the next round of ceasefire, Israel has completely backed down from it.

Several rounds of mediation talks held in Doha, Cairo and Paris on the orders of Qatar, Egypt and America seem to be yielding results.

Israel Defense Ministry sources told IANS that the Israeli side has agreed to the release of a large number of Palestinians arrested and jailed in Israel in exchange for hostages in Hamas custody.

According to available information, after the release of women, sick and elderly civilians in Hamas custody, a second batch of hostages will also be released in which female Israeli soldiers in Hamas custody will also be released.

CIA chief William Burns and Mossad chief David Burnia were also present at the recent mediation talks in Paris and have resolved some of the ceasefire-related issues during their talks with mediators from Qatar and Egypt.

The sources clarified that there could be a month-long ceasefire in hostilities but Israel has not agreed to the safe passage of top Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif from Gaza to Qatar or Turkey.

Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Galant had clearly said that the Israeli army will drive Sinwar from his hideout and kill him.