US-Led Negotiations Push Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal to Brink of Agreement By The Media Line Staff Intensive negotiations led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt are drawing Israel and Hamas closer to finalizing a comprehensive hostage release and ceasefire agreement, potentially bringing an end to over 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza. High-level talks […]
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The Media Line: US-Led Negotiations Push Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal to Brink of Agreement
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US-Led Negotiations Push Israel-Hamas Hostage Deal to Brink of Agreement
By The Media Line Staff
Intensive negotiations led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt are drawing Israel and Hamas closer to finalizing a comprehensive hostage release and ceasefire agreement, potentially bringing an end to over 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza. High-level talks in Doha and Cairo are advancing with a possible deal expected within days, according to officials familiar with the matter.
President Joe Biden emphasized the urgency of reaching an agreement during remarks at the State Department, stating, “We’re on the brink of the proposal that I laid out in detail months ago finally coming to fruition.” He highlighted the plan’s objectives to free hostages, halt the violence, secure Israel, and significantly boost humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. Biden has been in direct contact with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi to push negotiations forward.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken affirmed that the deal, based on Biden’s May framework, would involve a phased ceasefire, with Israel pausing military operations in exchange for Hamas releasing some hostages. This initial phase would also allow a surge in humanitarian aid into Gaza, with subsequent talks aimed at establishing a lasting ceasefire.
The proposed deal prioritizes the release of hostages categorized as “humanitarian” — including women, children, the sick and injured, and those over the age of 50. Hamas is reportedly set to release 33 detainees during this first phase. It remains unclear how many of these hostages are alive. Phase two of the agreement would begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, focusing on securing the release of male hostages of military age. A third phase would address the reconstruction and future governance of Gaza.
Negotiations have been bolstered by the participation of both outgoing and incoming US officials. Outgoing Middle East envoy Brett McGurk and President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming envoy Steve Witkoff have been actively engaged in the discussions. Blinken emphasized the importance of Witkoff’s involvement to ensure continuity, noting, “Everyone wants to make sure that the deal that the president’s put on the table will continue to be backed by the Trump administration.”
The latest talks have focused on exchanging hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas is reportedly demanding the return of the body of its slain leader, Yahya Sinwar, killed by Israeli forces, though Israel has refused this request. Netanyahu is also facing internal political pressure, with far-right factions in his coalition threatening to withdraw support if Israel concedes too much in the negotiations. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated his Religious Zionism party would not vote in favor of the deal. However, Netanyahu appears confident he can secure enough support within his coalition. A recent Channel 12 poll found that 71% of Israelis favor a hostage release, even if it requires ending the war.
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan noted that Hamas’ military capabilities have been severely diminished, stating, “The Israelis have destroyed their military formations, taken out their top leadership, and removed their military capabilities in significant dimensions. We are finally at the point where a deal could come together.”
Efforts have also been intensified by the involvement of Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Egyptian intermediaries. Biden and the Qatari emir have maintained direct communication, with both leaders expressing the urgent need to finalize the agreement. The ongoing talks in Doha are attended by Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet head Ronen Bar, signaling Israel’s high-level commitment to the negotiations.
Despite the progress, significant challenges remain. Hamas demands a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Netanyahu has pledged to continue military operations until Hamas is fully dismantled. A phased ceasefire is under discussion, but hardline elements in Netanyahu’s government oppose concessions, complicating approval of any deal.
Public sentiment in Israel is divided. Families of hostages are pressuring the government to act swiftly, while protests in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv reflect both support and opposition to the proposed deal. Ruby Chen, whose son Itay Chen was taken hostage and is believed to be deceased, emphasized the need for a comprehensive agreement that includes all hostages, living or dead. “We’re not getting any guidance yet from the government of Israel, understanding if it is a deal for all the hostages or is it just a partial deal,” she said.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is severe, with the conflict displacing approximately 90% of the territory’s 2.3 million residents. Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, though the figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians. The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of around 250 hostages.
The next few hours or days are critical as mediators work to finalize the deal. If successful, the agreement could mark a significant step toward ending the war and addressing the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.