Ceasefire Deal in Gaza Nears Finalization: Palestinian Official Shares Details
A Palestinian official involved in negotiations has told the BBC that the terms of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, including the release of hostages, are close to being finalized. This update comes as U.S. President Joe Biden expressed optimism, saying the agreement is “on the brink” and that his administration is working urgently to secure it.
An Israeli official also confirmed to Reuters that the negotiations are in “advanced stages,” hinting that a deal could be finalized within “hours, days, or longer.”
Key Negotiations and Potential Terms
The Palestinian official revealed that indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli representatives took place in the same building on Monday. The discussions have reportedly been detailed and highly technical, reflecting the complexities of the proposed agreement.
Under the preliminary terms:
- Hamas would release three hostages on the first day of the ceasefire.
- Israel, in turn, would begin withdrawing its forces from densely populated areas.
- Seven days later, Hamas would release four additional hostages, while displaced individuals in southern Gaza would be permitted to return north. However, movement would be restricted to the coastal road, and vehicles would be allowed only through a monitored passage near Salah al-Din Road, overseen by a Qatari-Egyptian security team using X-ray technology.
During the initial 42-day phase, Israeli forces would maintain an 800-meter buffer zone along Gaza’s eastern and northern borders and remain in the Philadelphi corridor.
A significant aspect of the agreement includes Israel’s commitment to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, among them approximately 190 who have served lengthy sentences of 15 years or more. In exchange, Hamas would free 34 hostages. Negotiations for the subsequent phases are set to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire.
U.S. and International Involvement
President Biden has been in direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar, who is mediating the talks. The White House National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan, suggested that the deal could materialize within the week. Biden is also expected to discuss the developments with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has arrived in Doha. Trump has previously warned of severe consequences if hostages are not released before his inauguration on January 20.
Domestic Opposition in Israel
The potential deal has sparked controversy within Israel’s governing coalition. Ten right-wing members, including several from Netanyahu’s Likud party, have formally opposed any truce, signaling internal political challenges for the Prime Minister.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
Even as negotiations continue, violence persists. Gaza’s civil defense agency reported over 50 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes on Monday, with claims of attacks targeting schools, homes, and civilian gatherings. The Israeli military stated it is investigating these allegations. Separately, five Israeli soldiers were reported killed in northern Gaza.
Background on the Conflict
The war erupted following Hamas’s deadly attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed about 1,200 people and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. Israel responded with a military offensive aimed at dismantling Hamas. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 46,500 people have died since the conflict began.
Israel estimates that 94 hostages remain in Gaza, including 34 believed to have died. Additionally, four Israelis abducted before the war remain unaccounted for, with two presumed dead.
As the world watches, the potential ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation, though significant hurdles remain before peace can be achieved.
