Negotiators are set to meet in the Qatari capital on Tuesday to finalise the details of a proposed ceasefire and hostage release agreement that could mark a significant step toward ending the Gaza conflict.
The discussions come after U.S. President Joe Biden announced the deal was “on the brink” of fruition.
The proposed agreement, facilitated by Qatar, has been presented to both Israel and Hamas, according to officials involved in the talks.
A midnight breakthrough on Monday reportedly led to significant progress, with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan stating, “The parties are right on the cusp of being able to close this deal.”
Hostage release and humanitarian aid
The deal would entail the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, held by Hamas in Gaza. In return, Israel would release an unspecified number of Palestinian detainees. The ceasefire is expected to halt the fighting and pave the way for increased humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.
“This agreement will provide security to Israel, halt the fighting, and deliver much-needed assistance to Palestinians who have suffered immensely in this war,” President Biden said in a speech on Monday, highlighting his administration’s foreign policy achievements.
Timeline and terms of agreement
The agreement is seen as a culmination of over a year of on-and-off negotiations, with U.S. and Qatari officials playing pivotal roles in bridging the gap between the conflicting parties. Outgoing U.S. President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both dispatched envoys to Doha to ensure continuity of U.S. support for the agreement.
Under the proposed deal:
- A 16-day ceasefire would be enforced.
- Negotiations during the ceasefire would focus on the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers and younger men.
- Israeli troops would initiate a phased withdrawal from Gaza, starting with the Netzarim corridor and other strategic points.
Challenges and unresolved issues
While the deal represents a significant breakthrough, both sides face unresolved challenges. Hamas insists on a permanent end to the conflict and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has maintained that it will not cease its operations until Hamas is dismantled.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar expressed optimism about the progress, saying, “There is progress, it looks much better than previously. We are grateful to our American allies for their efforts.”
Hamas, too, has indicated its willingness to reach an agreement. “The negotiation over some core issues made progress, and we are working to conclude what remains soon,” a senior Hamas official said.
The conflict, which escalated in October 2023 following a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, has claimed over 46,000 lives in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials. Large parts of the enclave have been destroyed, leaving the majority of the population displaced.
With Trump’s inauguration on January 20 looming as a potential deadline, the urgency for a resolution has intensified. Trump has previously warned of severe consequences should hostages not be released before his assumption of office.
