Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft ceasefire proposal as negotiations with Israeli officials continue in Doha, Qatar. While progress has been made, Israeli officials have stated that the agreement is not yet final. The proposed deal includes provisions for the release of hostages, a phased Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, and increased humanitarian aid to the territory.
The conflict, which began following the attacks on Israel on 7 October, has led to significant loss of life, with the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reporting over 46,500 deaths. The draft agreement, mediated by Qatar, represents the closest point the two sides have come to halting the fighting.
President Joe Biden, in his final foreign policy speech as president, indicated optimism about the potential deal. He described it as a critical step toward securing Israel’s safety, halting the violence, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Biden emphasised the importance of releasing hostages and delivering much-needed aid to Palestinians.
President-elect Donald Trump echoed these sentiments during a phone interview, expressing confidence that a deal could be finalised by the end of the week. Trump referred to reports of progress, suggesting that initial agreements may already have been reached.
Israeli officials have acknowledged advances in the negotiations but remain cautious, noting that details are still under review. An anonymous source highlighted former Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar as a significant obstacle in previous discussions. Since Sinwar’s death in October, Hamas’s approach to negotiations is believed to have shifted, contributing to the recent progress.
Qatari mediators have played a central role in drafting the proposal, which seeks to halt the violence, ensure the safe release of hostages, and facilitate a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza. The draft remains under review by Israeli officials, with further talks planned to address unresolved issues.