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Final draft of Gaza truce deal presented to sides after ‘breakthrough’, official says

Smoke billows following an air strike, as buildings lie in ruin in Beit Hanoun, in the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as seen from southern Israel, January 12, 2025. REUTERS/Kai Pfaffenbach/File Photo

Mediators Present Final Draft for Gaza Ceasefire Deal

Progress in Ceasefire Negotiations
Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have presented a final draft agreement to Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza, an official familiar with the negotiations stated on Monday. The talks, hosted in Doha, involved high-level representatives, including chiefs from Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.

Both U.S. President Joe Biden’s and President-elect Donald Trump’s envoys, Brett McGurk and Steve Witkoff, respectively, attended the midnight discussions that reportedly yielded significant breakthroughs. A further round of talks is scheduled for Tuesday to finalize remaining details.

Ceasefire Framework
The proposed agreement focuses on halting hostilities and securing the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. According to an Israeli official, up to 33 hostages may be released as part of the deal.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed optimism, stating the negotiations are at a “pivotal” stage. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed these sentiments, describing the proposed deal as closer than ever to completion.

Outstanding Issues
While progress has been made, hurdles remain. Hamas insists on an end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, conditions Israel opposes. The draft presented on Monday reportedly includes provisions for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages but does not resolve the question of Israeli troop withdrawal.

International Efforts
The U.S. has actively engaged with regional partners, with Biden recently speaking with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to ensure alignment on the negotiations. Qatar and Egypt continue to play key roles as mediators, while U.S. officials emphasize the importance of aligning Trump’s incoming administration with the current diplomatic framework.

Continued Violence
Despite the ongoing negotiations, fighting continues. On Monday, at least 40 Palestinians were reported killed in Israeli airstrikes on Rafah, while the Israeli military reported the loss of five soldiers in northern Gaza.

Political Opposition
Within Israel, hardline members of the government, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have expressed opposition to any deal that does not ensure Hamas’ complete dismantling. This resistance underscores internal divisions over the proposed agreement.

Broader Implications
The ceasefire negotiations carry significant weight as Trump’s inauguration on January 20 approaches. Both Biden and Trump have emphasized the urgency of resolving the conflict, with Trump warning of severe consequences if hostages are not released before he takes office.

The conflict, which began in October 2023 after a Hamas-led attack on Israel, has resulted in over 46,000 deaths in Gaza and widespread devastation. Efforts to finalize a ceasefire continue amid an increasingly dire humanitarian crisis.

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