Hamas and Israel are on the verge of finalizing a ceasefire agreement for Gaza and the exchange of prisoners, as reported by a Hamas official. The Israeli government has also acknowledged progress in the negotiations, with Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar stating that efforts are being made to reach a resolution in talks hosted in Doha, Qatar.
Saar mentioned in a press briefing in Jerusalem that Israel is actively pursuing a hostage agreement with the assistance of American allies. However, there are remaining sticking points, including Hamas’ insistence on the withdrawal of Israel from the Philadelphi corridor and a permanent ceasefire rather than a temporary cessation of military operations following the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack on southern Israel.
Disagreements persist over the proposed buffer zone within Gaza, with Hamas advocating for a smaller zone compared to Israel’s larger request. Negotiations are also focusing on the specifics of releasing Palestinian prisoners and delineating Israeli troop withdrawal areas.
Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Commission for Detainees and Ex-Detainees, is traveling to Doha to provide guidance on the detainee release list if an agreement comes to fruition. While there is optimism in the progress of talks, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed concerns about the potential deal’s impact on national security, labeling it a “surrender deal.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the negotiations with US President Joe Biden, emphasizing efforts to reach a resolution. Pressure from both the current and incoming US administrations is urging Netanyahu to secure a deal. A source familiar with the talks highlighted Trump’s influence as an incentive for Israel to finalize an agreement, emphasizing the importance of maintaining close ties with the former president.
The goal is to reach a framework by January 20, Trump’s presidential inauguration, even if a final deal is not achieved by then. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted the possibility of reaching an agreement by that date but refrained from making definitive predictions.
“We still have a ways to go to reach the finish line,” stated Sullivan. Gazans are holding out hope for a ceasefire following the attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The death toll from Israeli military actions in Gaza has reached 46,584, with 109,731 individuals reported injured according to the most recent update from the Palestinian Ministry of Health. The report indicated that some victims remain trapped under rubble or on roads, with rescue crews facing challenges in reaching them.
A recent study conducted by researchers from a prominent health research university in the UK revealed that the actual number of casualties in Gaza is significantly higher than the figures officially reported by authorities in the region. Speaking to CNN, Gazans expressed their desire for negotiations to bring an end to the ongoing conflict. However, many voiced skepticism, labeling announcements of progress towards a resolution as mere “empty” assurances.
Abdul Rahman Salama, a resident of Khan Younis who was salvaging belongings from the remains of his demolished home, shared his frustration with the lack of tangible outcomes from the negotiations. He remarked, “Every time they mention negotiations, it only highlights their failure. The devastation is unimaginable. I pray for a swift end to this war, but the talks seem to be hollow promises – built upon a foundation of lies.”
Ahmad Salama, another displaced individual from Khan Younis, expressed his family’s yearning for successful negotiations to bring about peace and a return to safety. He emphasized the desire to put an end to the perpetual fear and displacement his family has endured, stating, “We hope that the negotiations bear fruit so that the war ceases, allowing us to reclaim security and stability. We are weary of fleeing with our children and elderly mother from one place to another.”
Contributions to this report were made by CNN’s Nadeen Ebrahim and Tareq Al Hilou. To stay updated on the latest news and receive newsletters from CNN, sign up for an account at CNN.com.
