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Gaza permanent ceasefire 'questionable', says senior Israeli official
A senior Israeli official has issued a less-than-optimistic assessment of the permanency of any ceasefire in Gaza.
Speaking in Washington on condition of anonymity, the senior official said that a 60-day ceasefire "might" be possible within "a week, two weeks - not a day". But on the chances of the ceasefire lasting beyond 60 days, the official said: "We will begin negotiations on a permanent settlement.
"But we achieve it? It's questionable, but Hamas will not be there." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is due to conclude a four-day visit to Washington later today. There had been hope that a ceasefire could be announced during the trip.
US President Donald Trump has repeatedly stated that it's close. Speaking at a briefing for a number of reporters, the Israeli official would not be drawn on any of the details of the negotiations over concerns that public disclosure could jeopardise their chances of success.
The major sticking point in the talks between Hamas and Israel is the status of the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) inside Gaza during the 60-day ceasefire and beyond, should it last longer. The latest Israeli proposal, passed to Hamas last week, included a map showing the proposed IDF presence inside Gaza during the ceasefire.
Read more: What is the possible Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal? This was rejected by Hamas and by Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who reportedly told the Israelis that the redeployment map "looks like a Smotrich plan.
Amir Nisi
Creative and experienced content writer with 6+ years of experience lazy to create unique content strategy for News5 to turn website visitors into customers.
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