Israeli and Hamas negotiators appear closer to reaching a ceasefire agreement after months of stalemate, with a senior Palestinian negotiator telling the BBC that talks have entered a “decisive and final phase” while Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirms unprecedented progress.
The emerging agreement framework envisions an initial 45-day period for releasing civilian hostages and female soldiers, alongside Israeli withdrawal from city centers and strategic areas. This would be followed by the liberation of remaining hostages and further troop withdrawal, ultimately concluding with a comprehensive ceasefire and war termination.
Current diplomatic efforts, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, have intensified following Donald Trump’s election victory. An Israeli working delegation is presently in Doha amid heightened regional diplomatic activity. Of 96 remaining hostages, Israel believes 62 are still alive.
Recent developments include a December 7 pause in Israeli aerial operations, allowing Hamas to gather hostage information. The group subsequently provided Egyptian officials with a list of elderly and sick Israeli captives, along with American citizens, plus demands for Palestinian prisoner releases.
Defense Minister Katz maintains Israel must retain security control over Gaza after Hamas’s defeat, a position that could complicate negotiations but appears designed to maintain support from far-right cabinet members. Meanwhile, Trump has warned that a deal should be reached before his inauguration.
