Report: Israel and Hamas Receive Final Draft of Ceasefire Agreement From Qatar
Qatar has presented a “final” draft ceasefire and hostage release agreement to Israel and Hamas, aiming to end the devastating war in Gaza, an official familiar with the negotiations told Reuters on Monday.
The breakthrough in talks reportedly occurred after midnight in Doha, following high-level discussions involving Israel’s intelligence chiefs, US President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
US President Joe Biden has urged urgency in reaching an agreement before his administration concludes on January 20. Biden spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, reiterating the importance of a ceasefire, the immediate return of hostages, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza, the White House said in a statement.
The negotiations come as the war enters its 15th month. Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and resulted in more than 250 hostages being taken. Since then, over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, according to Palestinian health officials, with much of the territory destroyed and a majority of its population displaced.