Mediators in Doha have presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of a truce deal aimed at ending the Gaza war, following a significant breakthrough in negotiations, an official close to the discussions revealed Monday.
The draft, prepared by Qatar, outlines a ceasefire agreement and the exchange of hostages. Negotiations in the Qatari capital involved high-ranking officials, including Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs, Hamas leaders, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
The talks also saw the involvement of U.S. envoys, with Steve Witkoff, representing President-elect Donald Trump, and Brett McGurk, representing the outgoing Biden administration, pushing the sides toward an agreement.
“The next 24 hours will be crucial,” said an official involved in the process, describing the draft as a product of overnight progress. Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani also engaged in direct discussions with Hamas, underscoring the urgency of the negotiations.
While both sides stopped short of confirming a finalized deal, officials acknowledged significant advancements. Hamas officials noted progress on core issues, while Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar praised the role of American mediators in facilitating discussions.
Despite ongoing bloodshed in Gaza, including Israeli airstrikes and Hamas counterattacks, the proposed truce aims to halt fighting in exchange for the release of hostages and detainees. However, fundamental disagreements remain—Hamas demands a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists on dismantling Hamas as a prerequisite for peace.
With Donald Trump set to assume office on January 20, his administration views the truce as a priority. The president-elect has warned of severe repercussions if hostages are not released before his inauguration. Meanwhile, outgoing President Joe Biden has intensified efforts to secure a ceasefire during his final days in office.
The draft proposal is being viewed as a pivotal moment in the year-long mediation efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Egyptian intelligence officials remain actively involved, while Qatar’s diplomatic leverage continues to play a critical role in bridging the divide between the warring factions.
The conflict, which began in October 2023 after Hamas launched a deadly assault on Israel, has claimed more than 46,000 lives in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with significant displacement and devastation in the enclave. On the Israeli side, over 1,200 people have been killed, and at least 250 remain hostage.
As the situation escalates, hardline factions in Israel, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich’s Religious Zionism party, oppose any agreement that does not ensure Hamas’ complete destruction, citing national security concerns.
While the draft deal is seen as a breakthrough, its success hinges on resolving key disagreements and garnering support from all stakeholders. Both sides have indicated a willingness to continue negotiations, with the next steps likely determining whether the region can move toward a lasting ceasefire or spiral further into violence.
