Mediators Announce Gaza Cease-Fire Agreement Is Near
The Biden administration is working urgently to cease hostilities in Gaza prior to the end of its term.
TroibNews 
Mediators are expressing their most hopeful sentiments yet regarding a potential agreement between Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages and a cease-fire in Gaza.
On Tuesday in Doha, where negotiators have been working on the deal, Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, stated at a news briefing that both parties “are on the final details of reaching an agreement” and that negotiations are at the “final stage.” He noted that there has been “significant progress” in recent days but stopped short of confirming that an agreement has been finalized.
Across the Atlantic in Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned that negotiators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar had sent what he described as a final draft to both sides over the weekend. "If Hamas accepts, the deal is ready to be concluded and implemented," Blinken remarked during a speech at the Atlantic Council think tank. He expressed his belief that a cease-fire will be established, stating that whether this occurs before the end of the current administration or after January 20, the terms will closely align with the agreement put forth by President Biden last May, which garnered global support. Blinken also detailed a post-war plan for the Gaza Strip in his address.
High-ranking U.S. officials have increasingly noted the favorable outlook for reaching a deal to end the war in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread devastation and a significant loss of civilian life. With only days remaining in office, Biden administration officials are deeply engaged in discussions, while also including representatives from the forthcoming Trump administration.
In remarks to State Department employees on Monday, President Joe Biden affirmed that mediators were “on the brink” of achieving a cease-fire and hostage release agreement. He also held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 10 and the leader of Qatar on January 13 and expressed his desire to talk with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, a crucial participant in the negotiations.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan commented at the White House on Monday, acknowledging the frustrating nature of the cease-fire talks. "There has been a little bit of a Lucy and the football quality” to these discussions, where proximity to an agreement has often fallen short. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic about the potential for a deal. “We are close to a deal, and it can get done this week. I'm not making a promise or a prediction, but it is there for the taking, and we are going to work to make it happen," he stated.
Israeli officials have not provided comments on the latest developments. However, far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to derail any hostage release agreement and exit Netanyahu’s government. Hamas has yet to publicly address the status of the negotiations.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
On Tuesday in Doha, where negotiators have been working on the deal, Majed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, stated at a news briefing that both parties “are on the final details of reaching an agreement” and that negotiations are at the “final stage.” He noted that there has been “significant progress” in recent days but stopped short of confirming that an agreement has been finalized.
Across the Atlantic in Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken mentioned that negotiators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar had sent what he described as a final draft to both sides over the weekend. "If Hamas accepts, the deal is ready to be concluded and implemented," Blinken remarked during a speech at the Atlantic Council think tank. He expressed his belief that a cease-fire will be established, stating that whether this occurs before the end of the current administration or after January 20, the terms will closely align with the agreement put forth by President Biden last May, which garnered global support. Blinken also detailed a post-war plan for the Gaza Strip in his address.
High-ranking U.S. officials have increasingly noted the favorable outlook for reaching a deal to end the war in Gaza, which has resulted in widespread devastation and a significant loss of civilian life. With only days remaining in office, Biden administration officials are deeply engaged in discussions, while also including representatives from the forthcoming Trump administration.
In remarks to State Department employees on Monday, President Joe Biden affirmed that mediators were “on the brink” of achieving a cease-fire and hostage release agreement. He also held discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on January 10 and the leader of Qatar on January 13 and expressed his desire to talk with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, a crucial participant in the negotiations.
National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan commented at the White House on Monday, acknowledging the frustrating nature of the cease-fire talks. "There has been a little bit of a Lucy and the football quality” to these discussions, where proximity to an agreement has often fallen short. Nonetheless, he remained optimistic about the potential for a deal. “We are close to a deal, and it can get done this week. I'm not making a promise or a prediction, but it is there for the taking, and we are going to work to make it happen," he stated.
Israeli officials have not provided comments on the latest developments. However, far-right Minister of National Security Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to derail any hostage release agreement and exit Netanyahu’s government. Hamas has yet to publicly address the status of the negotiations.
Rohan Mehta contributed to this report for TROIB News
