April 3, 2025 4:09 am
Full News

US Officials Express Optimism Over Gaza Ceasefire Deal

US officials have expressed cautious optimism about a potential ceasefire and hostages release deal in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. This marks a significant shift within the Biden administration, which has not shown this level of hope in months, according to sources familiar with the matter.

While no agreement has been finalized, sources indicate a deal could be announced within the final days of President Joe Biden’s term. Both Israel and Hamas, along with mediators, are reportedly working on the final stages of the negotiations. A Hamas official confirmed discussions on a final draft, with mediators being updated on both sides’ positions.

Signs of Progress in Talks

US Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer noted “significant progress” but refrained from making definitive predictions. “There is a deal on the table that Hamas should accept,” he said. A Hamas official also stated that an agreement is “very close.”

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing Israel’s commitment to securing a deal. He highlighted ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar, and reported “progress” in the discussions.

However, challenges remain. Hamas has demanded Israel withdraw from the Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border and commit to a permanent ceasefire rather than a temporary one. Disagreements also persist over the size of a buffer zone along Gaza’s borders. Hamas seeks a return to pre-October 7 conditions, while Israel advocates for a significantly larger zone.

Hostages and Prisoners

Negotiators are addressing the release of Palestinian prisoners and mapping areas for Israeli withdrawal. Qadura Fares, a Palestinian official, has traveled to Doha to provide advice on the prisoner release list.

Despite the progress, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the potential deal, labeling it a “surrender” that compromises national security. Ten members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party also expressed concerns, urging Netanyahu to adhere to specific conditions, including the complete return of hostages and preventing mass displacement to northern Gaza.

Broader Political Implications

The negotiations are influenced by US domestic politics. Sources suggest Netanyahu is motivated to maintain alignment with President-elect Donald Trump’s administration, which takes office on January 20. US envoys Brett McGurk and Steve Witkoff, along with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, are actively involved in resolving the remaining issues.

Sullivan expressed cautious optimism, stating that a deal could be finalized this week. “I’m not making a promise or prediction, but it is there for the taking,” he said.

Humanitarian Toll in Gaza

Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, Gaza has experienced extensive casualties. According to the Palestinian Ministry of Health, Israeli strikes have killed over 46,000 people and injured more than 109,000. Many victims remain trapped under rubble, with rescue efforts hindered by ongoing hostilities. A UK study suggests the actual death toll may be even higher.

Amid relentless bombing, Gaza residents voiced skepticism over the negotiations. Abdul Rahman Salama, whose home was destroyed, called the talks “empty promises.”

As the international community watches, the outcome of these negotiations could mark a turning point in the long-standing conflict, offering hope for a resolution amid immense human suffering.

Related News
India Aims to Strengthen Ties with Bangladesh’s Interim Government: Vikram Misri
Hizb-ut-Tahrir Activists Defy Police Barricades in ‘March for Khilafat’ at Dhaka Mosque
Mufasa: The Lion King Sets Disney+ Release Date
The 5 Most Addictive Substances in the World: A Deep Dive into Their Grip on Health
Qatar’s Prime Minister Warns of Severe Water Crisis if Iran is Attacked
Saudi Arabia Bans Children from Accompanying Hajj Pilgrims
Related Posts
Bangladesh’s suicidal decision to buy Pakistani Junk fighter jets – United People will stop it
Myanmar Junta Announces Ceasefire
Taiwan Sends Warships in Response to China’s Military Drills
Repeated Attacks on US Warship in the Red Sea
Pakistan’s President Asif Ali Zardari Hospitalized
Is Yunus supporting India? Is crusade against India over?
More News

Escalating Human Rights Violations in Bangladesh Amidst Political Turmoil

Deepanwita Martin Since July 16, 2024, Bangladesh has been engulfed in a harrowing wave of human rights violations, marked by mass killings and escalating violence that have drawn the attention and concern of the global community. The alarming situation has deteriorated sharply following the ousting of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, as reports reveal a staggering […]

Indian Megastar Shah Rukh Khan’s “Royal” Birthday Celebration

Shah Rukh Khan, the King of Bollywood, celebrates his 59th birthday today. Over a 32-year career, he’s gone from a TV actor to a global film icon, reigning over one of the world’s glitziest and highest-grossing film industries. Indian news outlet News18 reports that Shah Rukh’s iconic home, “Mannat,” will be illuminated for his birthday […]

Trudeau Says Canada Will Comply with ICC Arrest Warrant for Netanyahu

Ottawa – Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has confirmed that Canada will comply with the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, following accusations of war crimes in Gaza. The ICC issued the arrest warrants after investigating Israeli military actions during the ongoing […]

Trump’s return to world stage for Notre Dame Cathedral re-opening in Paris.

The Notre dame cathedral will provide a lofty backcloth for President-elect Donald Trump’s return to the geopolitical stage on Saturday, when French officials put an ornate line under the five-year project to restore the soaring landmark with a reopening ceremony featuring dozens of world leaders. French President Emmanuel Macron, now in his second five-year term, […]

US Emphasizes Diplomatic Solutions Amid Concerns Over Extremism and Press Freedom in Bangladesh

Dastagir Jahangir, the Editor, thevoice.newsDuring a recent press briefing on March 24, 2025, a U.S. government official, Ms. Tammy Bruce, addressed concerns regarding security threats and press freedom in Bangladesh. The questions posed highlighted two key issues: the potential rise of Islamist extremist attacks in Bangladesh and the treatment of journalists under the government of […]

China Warns Australia Over DeepSeek Ban Amid Naval Task Force Maneuvers

Canberra, Australia — China’s ambassador to Australia has issued a stern warning that the recent ban on the artificial intelligence app DeepSeek from government systems and devices could further politicize trade and technology ties between the two nations, which have only recently stabilized. Ambassador Xiao Qian’s comments come as a Chinese naval task force continues […]

Man Jailed For 52 Years For Killing Three Children at UK Dance Workshop

A British young man has been sentenced to at least 52 years in prison by a UK court on Thursday for the murder of three children at a dance workshop. Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the attack as one of the most terrifying moments in Britain’s history. Before the verdict was announced, 18-year-old Axel Rudakubana […]

Global Outcry Against Atrocities on Hindus in Bangladesh; Protests Erupt in Netherlands

In response to the escalating violence against religious minorities, particularly Hindus, in Bangladesh, a significant protest movement has been launched in the Netherlands. Organized by a segment of the local community, the campaign’s inaugural session attracted a diverse group of global religious and spiritual leaders who united to pledge their support for peace and the […]

Ryan Reynolds Talks About the Future of Deadpool Movies

Ryan Reynolds has said he does not expect to make another Deadpool movie where he is the main character. He thinks Deadpool might be better as a supporting character in someone else’s movie. In an interview with actor Andrew Garfield for Variety, Reynolds talked about the future of the Deadpool franchise. He said, “I don’t […]

Trump Invites Netanyahu To White House On February 4: Israeli PM Office

Trump Invites Netanyahu To White House On February 4Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited by US President Donald Trump to a meeting at the White House on February 4, the Israeli premier’s office said on Tuesday.“Prime Minister Netanyahu is the first foreign leader to be invited to the White House during President Trump’s second […]