Ceasefire on the Horizon: Negotiations to End Gaza War Near Breakthrough

A breakthrough in Gaza ceasefire talks is close, with a final draft agreement presented to Israel and Hamas. The deal, pushed by Biden and supported by Trump’s team, aims to end the conflict, free hostages, and provide aid to Palestinians, with a deadline looming before Trump’s inauguration.

High-stakes negotiations in Doha are edging closer to finalizing a ceasefire agreement to end the devastating conflict in Gaza. The development follows a significant push by U.S. President Joe Biden, who announced that a deal involving a ceasefire and hostage release is on “the brink” of being realized.

According to officials involved in the talks, mediators presented a final draft of the agreement to both Israel and Hamas on Monday. The breakthrough emerged after intense discussions involving U.S. envoys representing both the outgoing Biden administration and incoming President-elect Donald Trump.

“The deal… would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to Palestinians who have suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started,” Biden stated during a Monday address, underscoring his administration’s foreign policy priorities.

If finalized, the agreement would mark the most substantial release of Israeli hostages since the conflict began. Early negotiations resulted in Hamas releasing half of its prisoners in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees held by Israel. This latest deal promises a more comprehensive resolution.

Draft Proposal Gains Momentum

A draft proposal outlining the ceasefire and hostage release terms was shared by Qatar with both sides. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed cautious optimism: “I think there is a good chance we can close this … the parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal.”

Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted the role of Hamas in moving the agreement forward, emphasizing the need for decisive action. Hamas officials expressed willingness to finalize the deal, while Israeli officials indicated significant progress.

“There is progress; it looks much better than before. I want to thank our American allies for their immense efforts in securing a hostage deal,” remarked Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

The tentative agreement includes the release of 33 hostages, with 98 hostages still held in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. The plan also outlines a phased cessation of hostilities, with provisions for humanitarian aid and security assurances.

Conflict’s Heavy Toll

The war—which erupted in October 2023 following a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to over 250 hostages being taken—has devastated Gaza. Palestinian health officials report over 46,000 deaths, with widespread destruction displacing much of the enclave’s population.

Both sides have long agreed in principle to a ceasefire tied to a hostage exchange. However, disagreements over key conditions, including Hamas’ demand for a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal, have delayed progress. Israel has maintained its stance that the war will not conclude until Hamas is dismantled.

Deadline Looms as Trump’s Inauguration Nears

With Donald Trump’s inauguration set for January 20, negotiators are working against the clock. Trump has warned of severe consequences if hostages are not released before he takes office, adding urgency to the talks. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, has joined Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk in Doha to ensure continuity.

The draft deal’s first phase includes releasing women, children, older individuals, and those wounded or sick, alongside some Palestinian detainees. Subsequent negotiations will address the release of remaining hostages and the repatriation of bodies. A phased Israeli troop withdrawal and security measures along Gaza’s borders are also part of the proposal.

The potential agreement signals a critical step toward ending one of the most prolonged and deadly conflicts in recent memory, offering hope for relief and recovery in the region.

Source: (Reuters)

Also Read:  Tesla’s $100M EV Charging Project Snubbed Again in Latest Federal Funding Round