Mideast ceasefire efforts gain momentum as U.S. envoy visits
JERUSALEM — International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appeared to gain new momentum on Thursday as the White House said a visit by a senior envoy with Israeli leaders was “going well” and other mediators reported encouraging signs from the warring parties.
The new signs of progress came ahead of a summit this weekend in Paris, where mediators are expected to offer a new proposal. The U.S., Egypt and Qatar have been struggling for weeks to find a formula that could halt Israel’s devastating offensive in Gaza, but now face an unofficial deadline as the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches.
White House Mideast envoy Brett McGurk held talks throughout the day with Israeli leaders and families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Spokesman John Kirby said the talks were constructive. “The initial indications we’re getting from Brett are these discussions are going well,” Kirby said.
A Western diplomat involved in the efforts said both sides want a pause. “What we have heard from our partners is that they are willing to give concessions,” she said, speaking on condition of anonymity. “Time is pressing them.”
In new fighting, Israeli strikes killed more than 70 people in southern and central Gaza, Palestinian health officials said Thursday. Tensions were also rising in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where three Palestinian gunmen on Thursday opened fire on morning traffic at a highway checkpoint, killing one man and wounding five others, Israeli police said.
Israel declared war after Hamas militants stormed across the border on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people and taking 250 others hostage. The Israeli offensive has left more than 29,000 Palestinians dead, caused widespread destruction, displaced an estimated 80% of Gaza’s population and fuelled a humanitarian disaster.
Roughly half of the hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire in November. About 100 hostages remain in captivity, in addition to the bodies of 30 others who were killed on Oct. 7 or died in captivity.
Israel is demanding the release of the remaining hostages as part of any pause but has vowed to press ahead with the offensive until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities are destroyed. Hamas wants an end to the war, a full withdrawal of troops and the release of thousands of Palestinian prisoners Israel is holding.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the Hamas demands as “delusional.” But recently, Israeli leaders have begun to voice cautious optimism and Hamas has signalled it is softening its demands.