White House Says Gaza Ceasefire May Occur ‘this week’
Israel and Hamas have allegedly achieved a significant advancement in talks held in Qatar aimed at bringing an end to the violence in Gaza. Read Full Article at RT.com
TroibNews 
Recent reports indicate a potential breakthrough in the talks between Israel and Hamas taking place in Doha.
According to US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, discussions in Qatar aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict are progressing well. Following Hamas’s incursion from Gaza on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,100 fatalities, Israel declared war on the group. Since that time, the death toll of Palestinians in the enclave has surpassed 46,000.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sullivan stated, “We are close to a deal, and it can get done this week.” He referenced a proposal put forth by US President Joe Biden last June, which includes “a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.”
Reports from Reuters indicate a "breakthrough" occurred shortly after midnight, while Israel’s Channel 12 characterized the developments in Doha as “dramatic,” suggesting that an announcement regarding a ceasefire could be made as early as Tuesday.
Sources from Tel Aviv indicate that Israel has accepted the proposal, awaiting final approval from Hamas. It is reported that both parties are keen to finalize a deal prior to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
The Associated Press noted that Qatar has been pressuring Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar to endorse the agreement, while Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly urged the Israeli delegation to do the same.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Hamas expressed, “We renew our pledge with our steadfast and patient people and with our heroic prisoners in the prisons, and we affirm that their freedom is near.”
Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the ceasefire negotiations, as confirmed by his office.
A source informed RT that Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, was in Doha on Sunday to address any potential hurdles to the agreement. This was later corroborated by Reuters, which reported Rashad's departure on Monday while leaving an intelligence team to continue discussions.
Additionally, Turkish media reported that Ankara’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, engaged in phone discussions with Hamas to support the ceasefire effort.
Participation in the talks also included the heads of Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence services, along with US representatives Witkoff and outgoing administration envoy Brett McGurk, according to various reports.
“There is progress, it looks much better than previously,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday, adding, “I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal.”
Nevertheless, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that his Religious Zionism party would oppose any agreement that does not aim for the “destruction” of Hamas.
Meanwhile, heavy fighting persists in Gaza, with reports indicating that at least five Israeli soldiers and 21 Palestinians lost their lives on Monday.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
According to US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, discussions in Qatar aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict are progressing well. Following Hamas’s incursion from Gaza on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,100 fatalities, Israel declared war on the group. Since that time, the death toll of Palestinians in the enclave has surpassed 46,000.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Sullivan stated, “We are close to a deal, and it can get done this week.” He referenced a proposal put forth by US President Joe Biden last June, which includes “a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.”
Reports from Reuters indicate a "breakthrough" occurred shortly after midnight, while Israel’s Channel 12 characterized the developments in Doha as “dramatic,” suggesting that an announcement regarding a ceasefire could be made as early as Tuesday.
Sources from Tel Aviv indicate that Israel has accepted the proposal, awaiting final approval from Hamas. It is reported that both parties are keen to finalize a deal prior to the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
The Associated Press noted that Qatar has been pressuring Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar to endorse the agreement, while Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly urged the Israeli delegation to do the same.
In a statement released Monday afternoon, Hamas expressed, “We renew our pledge with our steadfast and patient people and with our heroic prisoners in the prisons, and we affirm that their freedom is near.”
Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani met with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the ceasefire negotiations, as confirmed by his office.
A source informed RT that Egypt’s intelligence chief, Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, was in Doha on Sunday to address any potential hurdles to the agreement. This was later corroborated by Reuters, which reported Rashad's departure on Monday while leaving an intelligence team to continue discussions.
Additionally, Turkish media reported that Ankara’s intelligence chief, Ibrahim Kalin, engaged in phone discussions with Hamas to support the ceasefire effort.
Participation in the talks also included the heads of Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence services, along with US representatives Witkoff and outgoing administration envoy Brett McGurk, according to various reports.
“There is progress, it looks much better than previously,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday, adding, “I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal.”
Nevertheless, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that his Religious Zionism party would oppose any agreement that does not aim for the “destruction” of Hamas.
Meanwhile, heavy fighting persists in Gaza, with reports indicating that at least five Israeli soldiers and 21 Palestinians lost their lives on Monday.
Emily Johnson contributed to this report for TROIB News
