Gaza ceasefire talks in final stage, Palestinian negotiator tells BBC

In recent developments regarding the ongoing conflict in Gaza, there are promising signs that Israel and Hamas may be nearing a ceasefire agreement. A senior Palestinian official involved in the negotiations shared with the BBC that the talks are currently in a 'decisive and final phase. ' This is a significant update, as it suggests that both parties are showing a willingness to reach a resolution after months of stalled discussions. Israel's defense minister, Israel Katz, echoed this sentiment, stating that an agreement is closer than it has ever been. The involvement of the United States, Qatar, and Egypt in mediating these discussions has been crucial, as they have resumed their efforts to facilitate a deal between the two sides. An Israeli delegation described as 'working level' is presently in Doha, the capital of Qatar, engaging in diplomatic discussions. The Palestinian official outlined a comprehensive three-phase plan aimed at resolving the hostage situation and ending the conflict. The first phase would involve the release of civilians and women soldiers held hostage in Gaza within the first 45 days. Concurrently, Israeli forces would withdraw from key areas, including city centers and the coastal road, as well as the strategic strip of land along the border with Egypt. Additionally, the plan includes provisions for displaced Gazans to return to the northern part of the territory. The second phase would see the remaining hostages freed and Israeli troops withdrawn, while the third phase would mark the official end of the war. Out of the 96 hostages still held in Gaza, 62 are believed to be alive. This plan appears to be based on a proposal outlined by US President Joe Biden earlier this year, although reports indicate that there are still critical details that need to be finalized. A previous round of talks in mid-October did not yield a deal, as Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal. According to Katz, who spoke to members of the Israeli parliament's foreign affairs committee, they have not been this close to an agreement on the hostages since a prior deal was made. He emphasized that after defeating Hamas's military and governmental power in Gaza, Israel would maintain security control over the region, ensuring that no terrorist activities could threaten Israeli communities. However, such statements may complicate negotiations with Hamas, as they could be perceived as inflexible. In Israel, these remarks are viewed as essential for securing the support of far-right cabinet ministers who have previously expressed concerns about any agreements they consider 'reckless. ' The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented cross-border attack in southern Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 253 individuals. Since then, over 100 hostages have been released through negotiations or Israeli military operations. On December 7, it was reported that Israel temporarily halted aircraft movement and drone surveillance over Gaza for six hours at the request of mediators, allowing Hamas to gather information about the hostages. A pro-Qatari newspaper reported that Hamas provided a list of sick and elderly Israeli hostages, as well as those with US citizenship, to Egyptian intelligence officials. The list also included names of Palestinian prisoners that Hamas is demanding be released as part of the deal. At the beginning of the conflict, Israel pledged to dismantle Hamas's governing and military capabilities. According to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, and the majority of the 2. 3 million population of Gaza has been displaced. The situation has led to widespread destruction and a dire humanitarian crisis, with many people struggling to access food and aid. The recent victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election has also reinvigorated diplomatic efforts, as he warned that a ceasefire deal should be reached before he takes office, cautioning that failure to do so could lead to unpleasant consequences.