“Close to Reaching Truce Agreement” with Israel, Says Hamas Leader

As per a statement posted on Telegram, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said on Tuesday stated that they were close to reaching a truce agreement with Israel.

As per the post, “We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” Haniyeh said.

Intense negotiations mediated by Qatar are under way. Hamas has a political office in Qatar where Haniyeh is based.

Qatar’s Prime Minister said on Sunday that a deal to free some of the hostages in return for a temporary ceasefire hinged on “minor” practical issues.

Negotiations are on to reach an agreement for the release of around 240 Israeli hostages seized on October 7 by the Hamas. Hamas fighters also killed around 1,200 people during their cross-border attack.

According to the Hamas government in Gaza, retaliatory attack by Israel has killed more than 13,300 people including thousands of children.

On Monday, US President Joe Biden said he believed a deal to free the hostages was close.