CAIRO – Significant advancements have reportedly been made by U.S. and Arab mediators in their efforts to secure a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, as well as the release of numerous hostages taken in Gaza. However, no agreement has been finalized as of yet, according to officials speaking on Monday.
Three anonymous officials confirmed the progress, emphasizing that the next few days would be crucial in bringing an end to over 15 months of unrest that has destabilized the region. They spoke under the condition of confidentiality, as they lacked authorization to publicly discuss the negotiations.
While a Hamas official acknowledged certain breakthroughs during the talks, they noted that several obstacles still need to be overcome. In the past year, U.S. representatives have often claimed that a deal was imminent, only for discussions to falter.
A source familiar with the negotiations stated that a proposal had emerged and was submitted to both Israeli and Hamas negotiators, who will present it to their respective leaderships for approval. This individual mentioned the involvement of Qatari mediators, who have been exerting pressure on Hamas to agree to the proposed terms, while U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been advocating for support from the Israeli side.
The agenda for the next 24 hours seems to be of utmost importance as mediators have officially delivered the draft to both parties. An Egyptian official indicated progress and mentioned that further discussions might extend over a few more days, with hopes for a resolution before Trump’s inauguration on January 20. Another official suggested that the negotiations were on the right track but were still incomplete, asserting that an agreement could indeed be reached before the inauguration.
During a press briefing, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar acknowledged the progress made but cautioned that concrete results are yet to be seen. He expressed hope for a resolution in the near future but emphasized the necessity for tangible outcomes.
A Hamas representative pointed out several contentious issues that still require resolution, including Israel’s commitment to ending hostilities, the specifics of military withdrawals, and details concerning the exchange of hostages for prisoners held by Israel. This official, speaking anonymously due to confidentiality, confirmed that these matters are still under negotiation.
Discussions over months have often reached deadlocks. The Biden administration, along with Egypt and Qatar, has been engaged for over a year attempting to formulate a plan to conclude what has become the deadliest conflict in the Israel-Palestinian history, sparked by Hamas’s attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
However, ongoing disagreements persist regarding the procedures for exchanging hostages for Palestinian inmates held in Israel, along with the particulars of the ceasefire itself. Hamas maintains that it will not release remaining captives unless all hostilities cease, whereas Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has declared a continuous campaign until “total victory” is achieved over Hamas.
The current discussions revolve around a phased ceasefire, where Netanyahu seems committed solely to an initial phase, which would involve a limited release of hostages in return for a temporary halt in military action. The resolutions regarding the long-term ceasefire and remaining issues would follow this initial stage. Hamas, on the other hand, is pressing for a complete withdrawal and an all-encompassing end to the war, believing that a successful first phase would facilitate that goal.
Such an agreement could potentially destabilize Netanyahu’s coalition, which includes far-right factions that may consider leaving the government if excessive concessions are made. Nevertheless, opposition figures have indicated their willingness to support Netanyahu in endorsing a hostage release, although backlash from hardliners could create future instability.
Amidst this backdrop, Netanyahu is optimistic that the incoming Trump administration—characterized by allies of the West Bank settler movement—will bolster his coalition’s unity.
On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden conferred with Netanyahu regarding the negotiations in hopes of finalizing a deal before concluding his term in office. The presence of high-ranking officials, including David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence service, and Brett McGurk, Biden’s senior advisor on the Middle East, indicates that pivotal Israeli officials who must consent to any resolution have resumed their involvement in the discussions.
McGurk has reportedly been working on the final details of a potential agreement, although Biden’s national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, conveyed uncertainty about the likelihood of reaching a deal by January 20. He emphasized the closeness of the negotiations but acknowledged that potential obstacles still remain before reaching a final conclusion.
Palestinians and hostages’ families are increasingly hopeful for a resolution. A brief ceasefire was only achieved in the early days of the conflict. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently stated that a deal appears to be “very close” and expressed intentions to finalize it ahead of the transition to the Trump administration.
The Israeli military campaign in Gaza has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, primarily women and children. Meanwhile, the attacks by Hamas militants have led to approximately 1,200 fatalities and the abduction of around 250 individuals.
Families of nearly 100 hostages still being held in Gaza are urging Netanyahu to finalize a deal to safely return their loved ones. Demonstrations have continued in Israel, highlighting the faces of those abducted. Residents of Gaza have become wary of the negotiations, enduring the ravaging impact of the conflict.
One local resident expressed skepticism about the ongoing negotiations, stating, “We hear that there are negotiations every day, but we see nothing.” This sentiment reflects the wider yearning for a definitive truce amidst the turmoil.
