DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — On Sunday, discussions took place between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Joe Biden, focusing on efforts to establish a ceasefire and negotiate the release of hostages amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This exchange indicates an increased urgency to finalize an agreement ahead of Donald Trump’s inauguration set for next week.
Previous negotiations facilitated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar over the past year have frequently hit roadblocks, just when a resolution seemed imminent. Yet, in the last few days, U.S. officials have conveyed optimism about concluding an arrangement.
The conversation between Biden and Netanyahu took place while David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, and Brett McGurk, Biden’s senior Middle East advisor, were in Doha, Qatar. Barnea’s involvement, confirmed by Netanyahu’s office, indicates that top Israeli officials, who are essential for signing any agreement, are now actively engaged in the negotiations.
McGurk has been working to finalize an agreement’s text for both parties. Jake Sullivan, Biden’s national security advisor, mentioned on CNN’s “State of the Union” that while they are “very, very close,” it is still uncertain if a deal could be reached by January 20, the date of the inauguration.
Both the White House and Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the phone call between the leaders, though they did not provide further details. The only ceasefire achieved during the 15 months of conflict occurred in the initial weeks of fighting. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated this week that a deal is “very close,” expressing hope for completing it before the transition to the incoming Trump administration.
Currently, a phased ceasefire is being discussed, with Netanyahu signaling that he is only committed to the first phase, which entails a partial release of hostages in exchange for a temporary halt in hostilities lasting several weeks. In contrast, Hamas has demanded a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from the severely damaged territory; however, Netanyahu has stressed the need to dismantle Hamas’ military capabilities in Gaza.
Disagreements in the discussions have revolved around which hostages will be released first, which Palestinian prisoners may be freed, and the degree of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza’s populated areas.
According to the Gaza Health Ministry, Israel’s military actions have resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, predominantly among women and children; however, this count does not differentiate between combatants and non-combatants. This military operation was initiated following Hamas’ assault on October 7, 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and about 250 others taken hostage.
Families of the nearly 100 hostages still captured in Gaza are urging Netanyahu to expedite negotiations to secure their loved ones’ release. Protests took place on Saturday night in Tel Aviv, displaying photos of those held captive.
Meanwhile, in Gaza, many Palestinians have begun to temper their expectations regarding a potential end to Israel’s military campaign, which has caused extensive destruction across the region and displaced over 80% of its 2.3 million residents. “We hear that there are negotiations every day, but we see nothing,” noted Mazen Hammad, a resident of Khan Younis. “When we see it on the ground, then we believe that there is a truce.”