Doha/Cairo, January 13 (Reuters) – Mediators have presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of a ceasefire deal aimed at ending the devastating war in Gaza. The proposal, described as the result of a significant breakthrough, was shared during high-stakes negotiations in Doha.
The draft, delivered by Qatari officials, outlines terms for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Key attendees included the chiefs of Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and envoys from both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump presidency.
“The next 24 hours will be crucial in securing an agreement,” said an official close to the negotiations. Both Israel and Hamas are now reviewing the terms, with expectations that a deal could be finalized within days.
A Long Road to Negotiation
Months of talks mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have centered on halting hostilities in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees in Israeli custody. However, the parties have remained divided on critical points.
Hamas insists that any ceasefire include a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel maintains it will not end its operations until Hamas is dismantled. The timing is especially critical, with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump signaling a hardline approach, warning of “hell to pay” if hostages are not freed before his inauguration on January 20.
Diplomatic Push Intensifies
Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and outgoing Biden envoy Brett McGurk have been actively involved in the discussions. Witkoff, who has shuttled between Doha and Tel Aviv in recent weeks, applied pressure on Israeli negotiators, while Qatari officials worked to persuade Hamas to agree to the terms. Egyptian intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad also participated in the talks.
A senior Israeli official described the progress as “encouraging,” while a Palestinian negotiator called the latest developments “very promising.”
Continued Bloodshed in Gaza
Despite the diplomatic efforts, violence persists. On Monday, Israeli strikes reportedly killed 21 people, including five civilians sheltering in a Gaza City school. Intense fighting continues in northern Gaza, with the Israeli military targeting areas it claims are Hamas strongholds. Palestinian officials accuse Israel of attempting to create a permanent buffer zone by displacing residents.
Hamas claims its fighters have killed 10 Israeli soldiers and injured dozens in recent clashes. Israel confirmed four soldier deaths over the weekend.
Mounting Humanitarian Toll
The war, which began in October 2023 after a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel, has caused immense suffering. Israeli figures report 1,200 casualties and over 250 hostages taken by Hamas. Gaza’s health ministry states that more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, with much of the territory reduced to rubble and millions displaced.
Political Divisions in Israel
The proposed ceasefire has sparked controversy within Israel. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the draft as a “national security catastrophe” and a concession to Hamas.
As talks enter a decisive phase, international observers are watching closely to see if the final draft will end the conflict and pave the way for humanitarian relief in Gaza.
