A major breakthrough in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations has been achieved, with mediators presenting a final draft agreement to both Israel and Hamas, according to officials involved in the discussions.
The proposed deal, brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, could finally bring an end to the devastating conflict that has claimed over 46,000 lives in Gaza and left much of the region in ruins.
The Road to the Ceasefire Deal
Negotiations have been ongoing for more than a year, but progress had stalled over key issues. Hamas has demanded a permanent ceasefire and Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insists it will not halt military operations until Hamas is dismantled.
Despite these differences, a late-night breakthrough on Monday led to the drafting of a final agreement, raising hopes for a resolution.
The final draft was delivered to both parties in Doha and included contributions from top intelligence and political figures:
- Israel was represented by Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs.
- Qatar’s Prime Minister played a key mediating role.
- Egyptian intelligence officials contributed to the discussions.
- Steve Witkoff, Trump’s incoming U.S. envoy, attended alongside Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk.
According to an official familiar with the negotiations, the next 24 hours will be critical in determining whether the deal is accepted.
What’s in the Ceasefire Agreement?
While the full details of the deal have not been disclosed, key elements reportedly include:
- A ceasefire to halt hostilities in Gaza.
- The release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
- The release of Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons.
- A surge in humanitarian aid to assist displaced civilians.
However, it remains unclear whether the deal includes Hamas’s demand for a permanent ceasefire or Israel’s insistence on the complete dismantling of Hamas.
Political Pressures and Deadlines
The timing of the deal is crucial, as Trump’s inauguration on January 20 is seen as an unofficial deadline. Trump has previously warned that there would be “hell to pay” if hostages were not freed before he takes office. Meanwhile, President Biden has pushed hard for an agreement before leaving office, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to support the ceasefire.
Despite this progress, opposition remains strong within Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a hardline nationalist, denounced the deal as a “catastrophe for Israel’s national security”, arguing that it amounted to surrendering to Hamas.
Ongoing Violence in Gaza
Even as negotiations continue, the violence has not stopped. Israeli airstrikes on Monday killed at least 21 Palestinians, including five civilians in a Gaza City school sheltering displaced families. Meanwhile, Hamas claimed to have killed at least 10 Israeli soldiers in clashes along Gaza’s northern border. Israel confirmed the deaths of four soldiers.
What’s Next?
With the final draft now in the hands of both parties, the world is watching to see if this breakthrough will finally bring an end to one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history.
