Mediators at ceasefire talks held in Doha, Qatar, presented a final draft of a truce to both Israeli and Hamas leaders. Those involved in the ceasefire talks termed it a breakthrough, with a source telling Reuters that the next 24 hours will be pivotal in reaching a deal.
The deal would result in the release of at least 30 hostages, held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip since the terror group attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israeli officials believe 98 hostages remain.
However, officials fear as many as three dozen are dead.
As part of the deal, reports said Israel would free Hamas prisoners as well. Hamas told the Times of Israel that their freedom is near.
The talks involved top Israeli officials, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, the Biden administration’s top Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and Qatar’s prime minister.
Trump warned Hamas of severe consequences if the group did not release hostages by the time he takes office next week.
In addition, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden spoke on the phone on Sunday, Jan. 12. Biden stressed the importance of an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, a return of hostages and an increase in humanitarian aid, the White House said.
Gaza’s Hamas-run Healthy Ministry claims more than 46,000 Palestinians have died in the last 15 months. Hamas militants allegedly killed some 1200 Israelis and abducted 250 others in the initial attack that sparked the war.
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