Mediator Qatar has presented a “final” draft of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to both Israel and Hamas, aimed at concluding the conflict in Gaza, as reported by an official familiar with the negotiations on Monday.
A significant development occurred in Doha after midnight, following discussions involving Israel’s intelligence leaders, President-elect Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Qatar’s prime minister, according to the official.
On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden held a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as confirmed by the White House. U.S. officials are working diligently to finalize a deal regarding hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza before Biden’s term ends on January 20.
During their phone call, Biden and Netanyahu addressed ongoing efforts to establish a ceasefire in the Palestinian territory and secure the release of the remaining hostages. The White House stated that Biden emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza, the return of hostages, and an increase in humanitarian aid facilitated by a cessation of hostilities under the proposed agreement.
Israel initiated its military campaign in Gaza following a Hamas incursion across its borders in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and the abduction of over 250 hostages, according to Israeli reports. Since that time, Palestinian health officials have reported that more than 46,000 people have died in Gaza, with the region largely devastated and facing a severe humanitarian crisis, leaving most of its population displaced.
Discover more from Defence Talks | Defense News Hub, Military Updates, Security Insights
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
