Possible Cease-Fire Deal in the Works Between Israel and Hamas
After Lebanon’s Hezbollah reached a cease-fire deal with Israel in late November, Hamas seems to have softened its stance.
There are indications that negotiations between Israel and the Hamas terrorist group for a cease-fire and hostage exchange are close to reaching a deal, according to sources on both sides.
Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz mentioned in a meeting with the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Security Committee on Dec. 16 that there is strong support for the current deal being discussed.
On the same day, a senior Hamas official expressed optimism about reaching an agreement on a prisoner exchange and a ceasefire, as long as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu does not hinder the process.
An Israeli delegation, consisting of representatives from the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Mossad, and the Shin Bet counterintelligence agency, is in Doha, Qatar, working towards advancing the negotiations.
Katz also noted that Hamas has shown greater flexibility regarding the presence of the IDF in certain corridors in Gaza, which has removed a significant obstacle to the deal.
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Israel is in talks with various parties about the post-ceasefire scenario, but a key condition is that Hamas does not retain control over Gaza, Katz emphasized.
A report from Saudi Arabia suggested that Hamas is open to a gradual cessation of hostilities, following a pre-determined timetable with guarantees from international entities.
During a meeting in Israel, Netanyahu and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, discussed the ongoing negotiations. Trump had previously warned of serious consequences if the hostages were not released before his term began.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during talks with Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan on Syria, highlighted the importance of Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire.
National security adviser Jake Sullivan noted that Hamas’s attitude in negotiations had shifted after the ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. He emphasized that the Middle East dynamics had changed significantly, favoring Israel and weakening Iran and its proxies.
Despite the casualties and destruction caused by the war between Israel and Hamas, the ongoing efforts aim to secure lasting peace and stability in the region.
