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In a bid to bring an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, mediators are convening in Paris on Friday to negotiate a potential peace deal. Senior Hamas leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh and Khalil al-Haya, have engaged in talks with mediators in Cairo, signaling progress toward a possible agreement. Egyptian security officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, reveal that Hamas may be willing to accept a six-week pause in fighting and to release some Israeli hostages in exchange for the freedom of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

The proposed deal is anticipated to consist of three phases, with the initial phase being a six-week period that could be extended based on Israel's cooperation. In a six-week truce scenario, Egypt asserts that Israel would be required to facilitate the entry of a larger amount of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, where residents are facing a risk of famine due to inadequate food distribution.

The mediated discussions also involve the Biden administration's Middle East advisor, Brett McGurk, who is pushing for increased humanitarian aid to enter Gaza as part of any agreement. The potential accord aims to secure a cease-fire during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, which starts around March 10 this year.

Moreover, the cease-fire deal would mark the second agreement since a previous week-long cease-fire ended on December 1. As per the provided information, the conflict ignited after Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on October 7, leading to casualties on both sides and numerous Palestinians held captive.

Various entities, including the U.S., Qatar, and Israel, are participating in the negotiations in a quest to reach a sustainable resolution to the ongoing hostilities in Gaza. The deliberations also touch upon the post-war governance of Gaza, with considerations for an interim Palestinian government and containment measures along Gaza's southern border with Egypt to thwart smuggling and terrorist activities.

In response to the outlined plan proposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, concerns have been raised about potential consequences of a prolonged Israeli presence in Gaza. The plan envisions a sustained military operation within Gaza and a buffer zone along the Israel-Gaza fence, prompting apprehensions about potential armed insurgency and continued conflict.

The negotiations in Paris are set against a backdrop of urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza, where organizations like the World Food Program and UNICEF have highlighted acute malnourishment among children and insufficient aid deliveries. Amidst the delicate diplomatic efforts, the outcome of the talks holds significant implications for the future trajectory of the conflict-ridden region.

The provided information does not specify a precise timeline for the culmination of the talks or the signing of a definitive agreement, underscoring the complex nature of the negotiations and the gravity of the decision-making process that lies ahead.