Middle East (Europe Brief Newspaper): Israeli FM Gideon Saar states Israel is committed to securing a truce with Hamas to end the Gaza war and ensure the safe return of hostages held in the region.
Following what he described as a “long and productive” conversation between his team and Israeli officials, US President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that Israel has agreed to the terms necessary to complete a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas.
At a press conference in the Estonian capital Tallinn, Saar said:
“We are serious in our will to reach a hostage deal and a ceasefire. We said yes to (US) special envoy (Steve) Witkoff’s proposals.
There are some positive signs. I don’t want to say more than that right now. But our goal is to begin proximity talks as soon as possible,”
said Saar, who spoke after holding talks with Estonia’s Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna.
“But it must be clear: Hamas is not only responsible for initiating this war on October 7 (2023). It is responsible also for its continuation. Pressure must be applied on Hamas. The international community must now back the American initiatives. It must shatter any illusions that Hamas may have,”
he said.
Hamas said in a statement on Wednesday that it was examining fresh ceasefire proposals from mediators Qatar and Egypt, but emphasized that its goal was to come to a deal that would guarantee an end to the conflict and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
What positive signs is Israel citing to show it is serious about a ceasefire?
In a clear indication of a desire to proceed with talks, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar revealed that Israel had agreed to the terms put forth by U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff for a 60-day ceasefire and hostage release agreement.
In an indication of willingness for diplomatic engagement, Saar underlined Israel’s strong resolve to establish a ceasefire agreement together with a hostage release agreement and stated the objective to start proximity discussions as soon as possible.
The United States, Qatar, and Egypt’s participation and assistance in mediating ceasefire talks offer a helpful diplomatic framework that Israel sees as conducive to advancement.
Recent attacks on Iranian sites, according to Israeli officials, have weakened Hamas’s position and may have increased its willingness to engage in negotiations, which Israel views as a positive step toward putting an end to hostilities.
