The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas is nearing a potential turning point, as Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, in a statement to Reuters, indicated that the Palestinian militant group is on the brink of a truce agreement with Israel. The negotiations, which are being mediated by Qatar, are primarily focused on key issues such as the duration of the truce, the mechanisms for aid delivery into Gaza, and a crucial exchange involving Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners.

What do we know?

In these talks, an important aspect under consideration is the release of women and children held on both sides, with the specifics of the deal, including the numbers involved in the exchange, slated to be announced by Qatar. Despite the critical nature of these discussions, Israel has maintained a general silence regarding the progress of the talks. Israeli media, however, hint at a near agreement, although the Israeli government has refrained from providing explicit details.

The humanitarian angle of this conflict has not been overlooked. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has been actively involved, with its President Mirjana Spoljaric meeting Haniyeh in Qatar to address humanitarian issues arising from the conflict. While the ICRC is not directly participating in the hostage negotiations, it has expressed its readiness to facilitate any future releases agreed upon by the parties.

Amidst these diplomatic efforts, the stark reality of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is ever-present. The region has suffered extensive damage, leading to a high number of casualties, including a significant proportion of children. The conflict has also resulted in the displacement of a large segment of the Gaza population, with many being forced to flee to less affected areas in search of safety and shelter. This dire situation underscores the urgency and importance of reaching a peaceful resolution to the conflict.

What does it tell us?

Here’s our 5 main analysis points on the potential truce: