Negotiators are set to meet in Doha on Tuesday to finalize a ceasefire and hostage release agreement aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism, stating the deal was “on the brink” of being finalized.
According to an official familiar with the discussions, mediators presented a final draft of the agreement to Israel and Hamas on Monday, following a late-night breakthrough during negotiations attended by envoys representing both outgoing President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.
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Biden emphasized the significance of the deal, stating it would secure the release of hostages, end the fighting, ensure Israel’s safety, and increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians impacted by the war initiated by Hamas. If successful, the agreement would mark the most significant release of Israeli hostages since the early stages of the conflict, which saw Hamas free prisoners in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed confidence in the progress, noting that both parties were close to finalizing the deal. Secretary of State Antony Blinken highlighted that the decision now rested with Hamas, while an Israeli official indicated that negotiations were in advanced stages to secure the release of up to 33 hostages. Currently, 98 hostages remain in Gaza, according to Israeli authorities.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged the progress, thanking U.S. officials for their efforts, while a Hamas representative stated that discussions had advanced on key issues, with hopes of resolving the remaining challenges soon.
The conflict began in October 2023, when Hamas fighters attacked Israel, resulting in 1,200 deaths and over 250 hostages taken. In response, Israel launched a military offensive in Gaza, where over 46,000 people have since died, according to Palestinian health officials, and the region has faced widespread devastation and displacement.
The ceasefire negotiations aim to halt the fighting in exchange for the release of hostages held by both sides. However, disagreements remain, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas before concluding the conflict.
Trump’s Inauguration as a Ceasefire Deadline
The upcoming January 20 inauguration of President-elect Trump is seen as a critical deadline for reaching an agreement. Trump has warned of severe consequences if hostages are not released before he assumes office.
The presence of Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, alongside Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk, has been pivotal in aligning the deal with the incoming administration’s priorities.
Agreement Details
In the first phase, 33 hostages—comprising children, women, elderly men, and the wounded—would be freed. A second phase, beginning after a 16-day ceasefire, would address the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, young men, and the return of deceased hostages’ bodies.
The deal proposes a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops while maintaining security in border areas and the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza’s southern edge. Northern Gaza residents would be allowed to return under conditions ensuring no weapon transfers. Additionally, Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly attacks would be released, though those involved in the October 2023 assault on Israel would be excluded.
