Hopes rise for Gaza ceasefire finalization in the coming hours after over 15 months of war

CAIRO – 15 January 2025: Negotiators from Israel and Hamas in Doha are making a concerted effort to finalize a ceasefire agreement, which, if successful, would end more than 15 months of Israeli aggression. Sources close to the negotiations indicate that a deal may be signed by tomorrow.

The ongoing Israeli aggression since October 7, 2023, has killed tens of thousands of people, causing widespread destruction of the enclave, and significant instability in the Middle East.

On Wednesday, negotiators in Qatar worked diligently to finalize the details of the deal.

According to two officials involved in the discussions, Hamas has accepted the draft phased agreement brokered by the mediators, Egypt, Qatar and the US, which includes provisions for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of numerous captives.

While there was no official comment from Hamas on Wednesday, a Palestinian official close to the negotiations expressed optimism that a deal can be signed tonight or, at the latest tomorrow, according to Reuters.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken indicated on Tuesday night that the parties were "on the brink" of an agreement.

During a recent speech, Blinken emphasized, “It’s right on the brink. It’s closer than it’s ever been before,” suggesting that a response could be expected within hours or days.

The draft agreement outlines an initial six-week ceasefire in the first phase, Reuters reported.

It also entails a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to the northern part of the enclave. In exchange, the deal requires Hamas to release 33 Israeli captives.

Negotiations for a second phase of the agreement are set to begin on the 16th day of the first phase.

This phase would focus on the release of all remaining captives, establishing a permanent ceasefire and ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

Egypt, Qatar, and the United States have successfully brokered a brief ceasefire amid the fierce war in November 2023, which resulted in the release of around 100 Israeli captives in exchange for about 240 Palestinian prisoners.

However, their efforts have been repeatedly stalled with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his far-right ministers rejecting any permanent ceasefire or complete withdrawal from Gaza.

According to AFP, of the 251 captives taken by Hamas during their attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, 96 individuals remain in captivity in Gaza, with 34 reportedly dead, according to the Israeli military.