Israel and Hamas inch closer to an agreement, but hurdles remain, officials reveal

Mohammad Eid carries the body of one of his three relatives who perished on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike, as they are prepared for the burial in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

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Abdel Kareem Hana/AP

U.S. and Arab intermediaries achieved notable advancements overnight in efforts to facilitate a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict and secure the release of numerous hostages detained in the Gaza Strip, though officials stated Monday that an agreement is yet to be finalized.

Three officials recognized that progress has been accomplished and noted that the forthcoming days would be crucial for concluding more than 15 months of combat that has thrown the Middle East into turmoil. They requested anonymity as they were not authorized to discuss the negotiations publicly.

One of the officials, alongside a Hamas representative, indicated that there remain several obstacles to overcome. On various occasions throughout the past year, American officials have indicated they were close to finalizing a deal, only to see the discussions falter.

One individual familiar with the negotiations mentioned a breakthrough occurred overnight, indicating a proposed agreement is now on the table. Israeli and Hamas negotiators will subsequently share it with their leaders for final endorsement, the individual noted.

This person mentioned that mediators from Qatar had exerted renewed pressure on Hamas to accept the agreement, while U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, was urging the Israelis. Witkoff has recently joined the talks and has been present in the region in recent days.

It was relayed that mediators have handed off the draft agreement to both parties, and the next 24 hours would be crucial.

An official from Egypt remarked that progress has been promising overnight, but it will likely require few more days, with both sides aiming for an agreement prior to Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. A third official stated that while the talks are in a favorable position, they have not yet concluded. This official also evaluated that an agreement remains feasible before the inauguration.

When questioned about the discussions at a press conference, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar commented, “progress has been made, and I hope that in a short while we will witness developments. However, it still remains to be seen.”

A Hamas representative indicated that several contentious points still require resolution, including an Israeli guarantee to cease hostilities and specifics regarding the withdrawal of Israeli forces and the exchange of hostages for prisoners. This official was not authorized to speak with the media and requested anonymity.

The Egyptian representative confirmed that these issues are still actively being negotiated.

Months of negotiations have often stalled

The Biden administration, in conjunction with Egypt and Qatar, has spent over a year attempting to facilitate an agreement to conclude the deadliest conflict ever between Israelis and Palestinians and to ensure the liberation of numerous hostages captured during Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which sparked the hostilities.

However, the parties have been divided regarding the specifics of the proposed exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the nature of the ceasefire itself. Hamas has stated that it will not release the remaining captives without a cessation of war, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asserted his commitment to continue the military operations until “total victory” over the militant organization is achieved.

A phased ceasefire is currently under discussion. Netanyahu has consistently signaled his commitment solely to the initial phase, which entails a partial hostage release in return for a prolonged halt in combat. Other issues and the potential for a lasting ceasefire would be negotiated following the commencement of the first phase. Hamas has requested a complete withdrawal and an absolute termination of hostilities, hoping that this initial phase would lead to such an outcome.

A deal could potentially undermine Netanyahu’s coalition, which comprises two far-right factions that have threatened to withdraw from the government if Israel concedes too much. Opposition members have pledged to provide Netanyahu with the support he needs to authorize a hostage release; however, the ire of hardliners may present a source of instability in the future.

Netanyahu is optimistic that the prospect of a Trump administration — which includes allies of the West Bank settler movement — will convince his partners to stay in the government.

U.S. President Joe Biden, who is eager to finalize a deal before departing office next week, communicated with Netanyahu regarding the negotiations on Sunday.

The director of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, David Barnea, along with Biden’s top advisor for the Middle East, Brett McGurk, were both present in the Qatari capital, Doha. Barnea’s involvement signifies that high-ranking Israeli officials who must approve any agreement are once again engaged in the discussions.

McGurk has been coordinating final details of a document to be presented to both parties, as indicated by Biden’s national security advisor, Jake Sullivan, during an interview with CNN’s “State of the Union.” However, he refrained from predicting whether an agreement could be reached by Jan. 20.

“We are extremely close,” he stated. “Yet being close still means we are far away, because until we actually cross the finish line, we are not there.”

Palestinians and families of hostages are hopeful for a resolution

Only one brief ceasefire has been accomplished during the conflict, occurring in the early days of hostilities. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken remarked last week that a deal is “very close,” expressing hope to conclude it before transferring diplomatic responsibilities to the upcoming Trump administration.

Israel’s actions in Gaza have resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, primarily among women and children, according to the territory’s Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between combatants and civilians in its count. Militants affiliated with Hamas killed approximately 1,200 individuals and kidnapped around 250 others in the assault that ignited the conflict.

Families of the nearly 100 hostages currently held in Gaza are urging Netanyahu to negotiate an agreement to bring their loved ones home. Israelis demonstrated once more Saturday night in Tel Aviv, showcasing photos of hostages.

In Gaza, Palestinians are tempering their expectations for an end to Israel’s military campaign, which has devastated significant portions of the region and displaced nearly 90% of its 2.3 million residents.

“We hear that negotiations are ongoing every day, yet we see no results,” conveyed Mazen Hammad, a resident of the southern city of Khan Younis. “When we observe it manifesting on the ground, then we will believe that a truce is in place.”