U.S. and Arab negotiators have made significant progress toward a ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages held in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. While no final deal has been reached, officials describe the current stage as critical in resolving the 15-month-long war that has destabilized the Middle East.
Negotiators, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that a breakthrough occurred overnight, resulting in a draft agreement. Both Israeli and Hamas representatives are reviewing the proposal with their respective leaders.
Key Players in the Israel-Hamas Negotiations
Mediators from Qatar and U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, have played pivotal roles in the discussions. Witkoff recently joined the negotiations and has been actively pressing Israeli leaders, while Qatari officials have exerted pressure on Hamas to accept the deal.
The proposed agreement, delivered to both sides, sets the next 24 hours as pivotal for its approval. However, hurdles remain, including the scope of a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the terms of a potential hostage-prisoner exchange.
Egyptian officials involved in the talks expressed optimism about progress but acknowledged that a final deal could take a few more days. Their goal is to finalize an agreement before Trump’s inauguration on January 20, 2025.
A Hamas official, speaking anonymously, highlighted unresolved issues such as Israel’s commitment to ending the war and specific terms for troop withdrawal.
Ongoing Efforts to End the Israel-Hamas War
The Biden administration, alongside Egypt and Qatar, has spent over a year attempting to mediate an end to the conflict, which began after Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel in October 2023. The attack resulted in 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of over 250 hostages.
Negotiations have repeatedly stalled due to disagreements over the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners and the specifics of a ceasefire. Hamas has demanded a complete end to the war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on achieving “total victory” over the militant group.
The current proposal involves a phased ceasefire. Netanyahu has indicated support for an initial phase, which includes the partial release of hostages in exchange for a temporary halt in fighting. Further discussions on a long-term ceasefire and additional issues would follow this initial phase.
Hamas hopes this initial phase will lead to a full withdrawal of Israeli troops and a lasting end to hostilities. However, the proposed deal could weaken Netanyahu’s government, as his coalition includes far-right factions that oppose significant concessions.
High-Level Diplomacy in Action For Israel-Hamas War
U.S. President Joe Biden, eager to finalize an agreement before his term ends, recently spoke with Netanyahu to discuss the negotiations. High-level representatives, including Israel’s Mossad chief David Barnea and Biden’s Middle East adviser Brett McGurk, are actively working on finalizing the terms in Doha, Qatar.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan described the situation as being “very, very close” to a deal but emphasized that significant challenges remain.
Human Impact of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The war has exacted a devastating toll. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, over 46,000 Palestinians have died, including many women and children. In Israel, around 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack, with approximately 100 hostages still held in Gaza.
Families of hostages have urged Netanyahu to secure their release, holding rallies in Tel Aviv to pressure the government.
In Gaza, residents remain cautious about the prospects of a ceasefire. Mazen Hammad, a resident of Khan Younis, said, “We hear that there are negotiations every day, but we see nothing. When we see it on the ground, then we believe that there is a truce.”
