Breakthrough in Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Negotiations as Deadline Nears

Israel and Hamas receive a final draft of a ceasefire agreement brokered by international mediators, with a decision expected within 24 hours.

Mediators in Doha have presented a final draft ceasefire proposal to Israel and Hamas, addressing hostages and Palestinian detainees, with both sides signaling progress.
The agreement includes a phased plan for hostage releases, prisoner swaps, and eventual reconstruction of Gaza, though key disagreements remain unresolved.
Outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and incoming President Donald Trump have both exerted pressure to finalize a deal before Trump’s January 20 inauguration, which is seen as a critical deadline.
Far-right members of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s coalition have criticized the potential deal, calling it a threat to national security and advocating for continued military action.
The conflict, which began in October 2023, has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and significant displacement, with humanitarian conditions in Gaza worsening daily.