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Friday, Feb 20, 2026
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Gaza Ceasefire Negotiations Close to Deal as Hamas Awaits Israeli Withdrawal Plans
Talks in Qatar are progressing towards an agreement, yet outstanding issues remain regarding the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Negotiators in Qatar have reported considerable advancements toward finalizing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, with both parties agreeing that a deal is closer than ever.
Nevertheless, after more than eight hours of talks on Tuesday, a senior Hamas official informed Reuters that the Palestinian group was still awaiting Israel’s provision of maps detailing how its forces would withdraw from key areas of Gaza.
These areas include the Netzarim region in the center of the strip, Jabalia in the north, the Philadelphi road along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and Rafah.
Despite this delay, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that the final details of the ceasefire were being discussed.
U.S. President Joe Biden also voiced optimism about a deal being within reach, with the U.S. collaborating with Egypt and Qatar to mediate the discussions.
A phased ceasefire could conclude over a year of negotiations and put an end to the devastating conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction in Gaza.
Hamas has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced Palestinians, while Israel demands the return of hostages and the release of Palestinian detainees in exchange.
With rising tensions in the region, particularly in the West Bank and Lebanon, the ceasefire could potentially alleviate broader Middle Eastern conflicts, including growing fears of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran.
As the negotiations advance, it is anticipated that 33 hostages, including women, children, and the injured, will be released in the initial phase, followed by a broader release of prisoners and partial Israeli withdrawals.
However, the hostages' families remain anxious, with some calling for a deal that ensures all hostages are released.
With the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump scheduled for January 20, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are hastening to finalize the agreement, amid increasing international pressure for a resolution.
Nevertheless, after more than eight hours of talks on Tuesday, a senior Hamas official informed Reuters that the Palestinian group was still awaiting Israel’s provision of maps detailing how its forces would withdraw from key areas of Gaza.
These areas include the Netzarim region in the center of the strip, Jabalia in the north, the Philadelphi road along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and Rafah.
Despite this delay, a spokesperson for Qatar’s foreign ministry confirmed that the final details of the ceasefire were being discussed.
U.S. President Joe Biden also voiced optimism about a deal being within reach, with the U.S. collaborating with Egypt and Qatar to mediate the discussions.
A phased ceasefire could conclude over a year of negotiations and put an end to the devastating conflict that has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused widespread destruction in Gaza.
Hamas has called for the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the return of displaced Palestinians, while Israel demands the return of hostages and the release of Palestinian detainees in exchange.
With rising tensions in the region, particularly in the West Bank and Lebanon, the ceasefire could potentially alleviate broader Middle Eastern conflicts, including growing fears of a full-scale war between Israel and Iran.
As the negotiations advance, it is anticipated that 33 hostages, including women, children, and the injured, will be released in the initial phase, followed by a broader release of prisoners and partial Israeli withdrawals.
However, the hostages' families remain anxious, with some calling for a deal that ensures all hostages are released.
With the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump scheduled for January 20, Israeli and Palestinian negotiators are hastening to finalize the agreement, amid increasing international pressure for a resolution.
