Both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hamas appear closer than ever to reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, alongside a potential deal on prisoner swaps, according to mediators cited by the Lebanese daily Al-Akhbar.
The report, published in a newspaper closely aligned with Hezbollah, signals growing momentum towards a truce. Over the past week, diplomatic efforts have intensified. U.S. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan visited Israel, Egypt, and Qatar, while Israeli delegations also engaged with officials in Egypt, and Qatar.
A separate report in the Israeli press quoted an unnamed Israeli official suggesting that an agreement could be finalized by 25 December.
According to an Egyptian security source, a recent stalemate in the talks resulted from attempts to expand the scope of the agreement. The primary goals include securing the release of additional prisoners and ensuring a longer ceasefire. Disagreements reportedly persist between Israel and Egypt over the future management of the Rafah border crossing.
The proposed ceasefire is based on an Egyptian peace plan aimed at creating a “Gaza without Hamas”. Key aspects of the plan include an initial ceasefire of one to two months, a gradual release of hostages without military pressure, and a reopening under the supervision of the Palestinian Authority and Egypt.
Israel would retain veto power over individuals crossing into Egypt. Egypt would ensure that Hamas does not control the border or Gaza in the immediate future.
Reportedly, Hamas has agreed to the plan on the condition that Gaza’s administration is handed over to a committee of local Palestinians.
Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s commitment to securing the return of all Israeli prisoners held in Gaza. In a written statement, Netanyahu also addressed developments in Syria, Lebanon, and conflicts with Iran, and Hezbollah.
Netanyahu remarked, “The face of the Middle East has changed,” adding that Syria, Lebanon, Gaza, and Iran are fundamentally different compared to a year ago. While emphasizing ongoing challenges posed by Iran and its proxies, he noted that Israel would base its policy toward Syria on “realities on the ground.”
Netanyahu also highlighted a meeting with Donald Trump, newly elected as the 47th President of the United States, describing it as “very friendly, warm, and important.”
