Intense negotiations in Doha have brought Israel and Hamas to the verge of a ceasefire agreement, with both sides reportedly nearing consensus on a truce and the release of hostages. Mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have been instrumental in these discussions, which have spanned over a year and are now in their final stages.
U.S. President Joe Biden and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi have pledged to maintain close coordination in the coming hours to ensure the deal's implementation. President Biden expressed optimism, stating that the agreement would halt the fighting, secure Israel, and significantly increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians who have suffered during the conflict.
The proposed agreement includes a phased release of hostages, prioritizing children, women, and the elderly, in exchange for the liberation of Palestinian detainees. An Israeli official indicated that the initial stage would involve releasing 33 hostages, while a Palestinian source mentioned that Israel would free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners over 60 days.
Despite the progress, challenges remain. Hamas has not yet delivered its response, awaiting Israeli maps detailing troop withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, internal opposition exists within Israel's coalition government, with hardline nationalist parties expressing reservations about the deal.
The urgency to finalize the agreement is heightened by the impending inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, which is seen as a de facto deadline for the ceasefire. A successful truce could alleviate regional tensions and end a conflict that has resulted in significant loss of life and displacement in Gaza.
