Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden discussed progress in negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage exchange during their first publicly announced call since
October. The conversation marks a critical moment in ongoing efforts to resolve the conflict in Gaza.
According to a Hamas official, the militant group is "very close" to reaching an agreement with Israel that would involve a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Despite reported advancements, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar highlighted the uncertainty surrounding the outcome. “Israel wants a hostage deal… soon we will know whether the other side wants the same,” Saar said during a press briefing in Jerusalem.
The talks, hosted in Doha, have encountered significant hurdles. Hamas is demanding an Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border and a commitment to a permanent ceasefire, rather than a temporary pause in military operations following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
Another contentious issue is Israel’s proposed buffer zone along Gaza’s eastern and northern borders. While Israel seeks a buffer zone 2,000 meters deep, Hamas is pushing for a return to the pre-October 7 zone, which was 300-500 meters. “This would mean 60 kilometers of Gaza would remain under their control, preventing displaced people from returning to their homes,” a Hamas official stated.
Negotiations are also focusing on finalizing details for the release of Palestinian prisoners and the specific areas from which Israeli forces would withdraw. Qadura Fares, head of the Palestinian Commission for Detainees, confirmed he is traveling to Doha to provide counsel on the detainee list if the deal is finalized.
Netanyahu, under pressure from both current and incoming US administrations, recently met with Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy. A source familiar with the talks said Netanyahu’s desire to maintain a strong relationship with Trump is driving his approach to the negotiations. “Even if no deal is reached by January 20, when Trump is sworn in, a framework must be established by then,” the source added.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the potential agreement, calling it a “catastrophe” for national security. On social media, Smotrich described the proposed deal as a “surrender” that would involve freeing “terrorists” and undermining Israel’s military gains.
US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan noted that while reaching a deal before Trump’s inauguration is possible, it is far from certain. “We are very, very close, yet still far. Until we cross the finish line, we’re not there,” Sullivan said.
Despite the challenges, both sides remain engaged in negotiations aimed at ending hostilities and ensuring the safe return of hostages. Photo by Fars Media Corporation, Wikimedia commons.