Hamas and Israel are reportedly nearing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, with potential exchanges of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. An official from Hamas stated that they are close to finalizing the deal, while the Israeli government also confirmed progress in the negotiations. Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized the efforts being made to reach an agreement during talks in Doha, Qatar.
However, several sticking points remain, including Hamas’ insistence on Israel withdrawing from the Philadelphi corridor and committing to a permanent ceasefire. Disagreements also persist over the size of a proposed buffer zone inside Gaza and the specifics of the prisoner release. Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees, is set to advise negotiators on the list of prisoners to be released if the deal comes to fruition.
Despite the optimistic tone from some parties involved, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed concerns about the potential agreement, describing it as a threat to national security. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has discussed the negotiations with US President Joe Biden and is under pressure from both the current and incoming US administrations to secure a deal.
A source familiar with the talks revealed that Netanyahu is motivated by a desire to maintain a close relationship with President Trump and is aiming to achieve a framework for an agreement before Trump’s term ends on January 20. However, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan cautioned that while a deal by that date is possible, no guarantees can be made.
“We aren’t there yet, get across the finish line,” said Sullivan. Gazans are hoping for a ceasefire following the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The death toll from Israeli military action in Gaza has now reached 46,584, with 109,731 individuals injured, as per the latest daily report from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The report highlighted that several victims remain trapped under rubble and on roads, inaccessible to ambulance and civil defense teams.
In a recent development, a peer-reviewed study conducted by researchers from a prominent health research university in the UK revealed that the actual number of casualties in Gaza is considerably higher than the official figures reported by authorities in the region. Gazans interviewed by CNN expressed their desire for negotiations to bring an end to the conflict. However, they voiced skepticism, labeling announcements of progress towards a potential deal as mere “empty” promises.
Abdul Rahman Salama, a resident of Khan Younis, lamented the ongoing failures in negotiations, stating, “Every time they talk about negotiations, it’s just words with no actions.” He described the devastation surrounding him as unimaginable and expressed his fervent hope for a swift end to the war, contrasting it with his skepticism towards the efficacy of the ongoing talks.
Similarly, Ahmad Salama, another displaced individual from Khan Younis, shared the sentiments of many Gazans, emphasizing his family’s longing for successful negotiations that would lead to peace and safety. He articulated the collective desire for an end to the perpetual cycle of fear and displacement, yearning for stability and security for his family.
This report was contributed to by CNN’s Nadeen Ebrahim and Tareq Al Hilou. For more CNN news and updates, readers are encouraged to create an account on CNN.com to access additional content and newsletters.
