Intensive Negotiations Underway for Release of Gaza Hostages
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World
January 13, 2025 11:30
tel aviv - Intensive negotiations are taking place in Doha for the release of Gaza hostages as parties aim to reach an agreement before potential turmoil ensues from Trump's involvement.
There is a growing optimism in Doha as parties reportedly made a breakthrough overnight. An agreement could potentially be presented in the coming days. Mediators have submitted a final version of the text to Israel and Hamas, raising hopes for a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages for the first time in over a year.
Joe Biden's Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, has been in Qatar for over a week, joined by his successor Steve Witkoff, heads of Israel's security services Mossad and Shin Bet, and the leader of the Palestinian prisoners' organization. There are talks of potentially exchanging 25 Israeli hostages for over 1200 Palestinian prisoners in the first phase deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the progress with Biden and his right-wing coalition partners. While the partners had previously threatened to leave the government over a Gaza deal, pressure from Trump and Netanyahu seems to have changed their stance. Arab and Israeli media continue to report contradicting details about the agreement on the table, with the main focus on the release of hostages and a ceasefire.
Hamas has relaxed its demand for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza in the initial phase, while insisting on a definitive end to the conflict in the subsequent phase. Current and future U.S. officials have expressed optimism about the talks, with warnings of dire consequences if negotiations fail to yield results.
Trump's incoming vice president JD Vance hinted at severe measures against terrorist organizations in the Middle East if the situation escalates. Israel also threatens more military action if an agreement is not reached soon, with a looming possibility of expanding the current offensive in Gaza. The fate of the remaining hostages in Gaza remains uncertain, with efforts ongoing to secure their release.