Negotiators are set to meet in Doha on Tuesday to finalize the details of a plan aimed at ending the conflict in Gaza, following U.S. President Joe Biden’s assertion that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement he has championed is “on the brink” of being achieved.
On Monday, mediators presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of the agreement, an official familiar with the discussions stated. This followed a “breakthrough” at midnight during talks involving envoys from both the outgoing U.S. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.
“This agreement would free hostages, halt the violence, ensure Israel’s security, and enable a substantial increase in humanitarian aid for Palestinians who have endured immense suffering during the war initiated by Hamas,” Biden said in a Monday speech highlighting his foreign policy accomplishments.
If finalized, the ceasefire would conclude more than a year of intermittent negotiations and result in the largest release of Israeli hostages since the early days of the conflict, when Hamas released about half of its prisoners in exchange for 240 Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the negotiations, Qatar presented the ceasefire and hostage-release terms to both parties in Doha.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed optimism about the outcome, stating, “I believe there is a strong chance we can finalize this. The parties are very close to reaching an agreement.”
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that the next steps depend on Hamas. Meanwhile, Hamas officials signaled their willingness to reach an agreement.
An Israeli official reported that negotiations are at an advanced stage for the release of up to 33 hostages. Israeli authorities estimate that 98 hostages remain in Gaza.
Foreign Minister Gideon Saar noted significant progress, expressing gratitude to the U.S. for its extensive efforts to secure a hostage agreement.
A Hamas representative confirmed advancements on critical issues and expressed hope for a resolution in the near future.
The conflict began in October 2023 when Hamas fighters launched an incursion into Israeli territory, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Since then, over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with vast portions of the enclave devastated and its population largely displaced, according to Palestinian health officials.
While both sides have broadly agreed on the principle of halting hostilities in exchange for hostages, they remain divided on key issues. Hamas insists that any agreement must lead to a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, whereas Israel demands the complete dismantling of Hamas as a precondition for ending the conflict.
Trump’s Inauguration as a Deadline
The upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump on January 20 is seen as a critical deadline for finalizing a ceasefire. Trump has warned of severe consequences if Hamas does not release the hostages before he assumes office.
Blinken stressed the importance of securing Trump’s continued support for the agreement, noting the involvement of both his envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk, in the Doha talks.
An Israeli official detailed the proposed agreement, which would initially see the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly or sick individuals. Subsequent negotiations would address the release of all remaining hostages, including soldiers and younger men, as well as the return of deceased hostages.
The deal would also include a phased Israeli troop withdrawal, with forces remaining near the border for security purposes. Specific arrangements would be made to ensure the demilitarization of certain areas, such as the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza’s southern border. Civilians in northern Gaza would be allowed to return under strict mechanisms to prevent the movement of weapons.
Additionally, Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder or deadly attacks would be released, though their numbers would depend on the status of the hostages. However, those involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks on Israel would be excluded from the release.
