Negotiations between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza have reportedly made significant progress. An official told Reuters that Qatar presented the parties with a draft final agreement today. The preceding meetings in Doha were attended by the heads of Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet organizations, the head of Egyptian intelligence, the Prime Minister of Qatar, and Steve Witkoff, special envoy to US President-elect Donald Trump.
Critical 24 hours
The official stated that talks continued until early this morning and emphasized that the next 24 hours would be critical to reaching an agreement. Israel’s Kan radio reported that the parties had received the draft and that the Israeli delegation had briefed its leaders. However, neither Israel nor Hamas has confirmed a final agreement on the draft.
It is understood that the draft includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages. A senior Israeli official noted that if Hamas responds positively to the proposal, an agreement could be reached within a few days. A Palestinian official described the information from Doha as promising, adding that the differences between the parties were diminishing.
Pressure from Trump and Biden
Before taking office, Donald Trump announced that he would impose harsh sanctions if Hamas did not release the hostages. President Joe Biden, in the final days of his term, made intense efforts to reach an agreement before leaving office. In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu on Sunday, Biden emphasized the need for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid.
Since the start of hostilities in Gaza in October 2023, Palestinian health officials report that more than 46,000 people have been killed, settlements have been largely destroyed, and the humanitarian crisis has deepened. While the parties have largely agreed on the mutual release of hostages and prisoners, disagreements remain over the terms of the agreement to end the war. Hamas demands Israel’s complete withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists the war will end only with the elimination of Hamas.
Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s hardline nationalist Finance Minister, criticized the proposed deal, calling it a “capitulation” and “a disaster for national security.”
The outcome of the talks is expected to be finalized in the coming days.
