3-Stage Deal Awaits Israel, Hamas Response

Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)
Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)
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3-Stage Deal Awaits Israel, Hamas Response

Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)
Part of the protests organized in Tel Aviv on Monday by the families of Israeli detainees held by "Hamas" in Gaza (Reuters)

Mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt are close to finalizing a framework for a Gaza prisoner exchange deal, aiming to bring an end to the conflict. Israel has given partial approval but raised objections.

The Palestinian Hamas group is expected to respond in the next two days.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during his Washington visit, mentioned positive developments in talks for a deal, with sources revealing Israel’s agreement to the proposal discussed in a Paris meeting on Sunday.

The three-stage agreement includes a gradual ceasefire in Gaza, aid delivery, and the release of Palestinian prisoners.

Negotiators from Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar agreed on a framework for releasing remaining US and Israeli hostages, starting with women and children.

While Israel began discussions on Monday, Hamas has not yet received the deal.

Hamas leader Osama Hamdan criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for not being serious about reaching a settlement.

Hamdan emphasized Hamas wants an end to the war, not just a temporary truce.

In the first phase of the potential deal, 35-40 captives, including women and children, could be released, and Israel would pause attacks for 45 days, freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

Subsequent phases involve releasing soldiers, reservists, and others, accompanied by an extended ceasefire.

US pressure has increased, hoping the deal leads to a lasting ceasefire.



White House Urges Hamas to Sign on to New Deal to Ensure Hostage Release

Palestinian boys examine a car targeted in an Israeli army strike that killed several of its occupants in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Palestinian boys examine a car targeted in an Israeli army strike that killed several of its occupants in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
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White House Urges Hamas to Sign on to New Deal to Ensure Hostage Release

Palestinian boys examine a car targeted in an Israeli army strike that killed several of its occupants in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Palestinian boys examine a car targeted in an Israeli army strike that killed several of its occupants in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Friday, Jan. 3, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)

The Biden administration is urging Hamas to sign on to a new ceasefire deal that would ensure the release of hostages, White House National Security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters on Friday.

Kirby said the White House welcomed Israel's decision to send another team to Doha to continue negotiations.

The United States, Egypt and Qatar have been trying to mediate a deal for a ceasefire and hostage release for a year with no success and are making another push this month before Donald Trump's inauguration.
Ceasefire efforts have continually stumbled on a fundamental disagreement over how to end the conflict. Hamas says it will accept an agreement and release the hostages only if Israel commits to ending the war. Israel says it will agree to stop fighting only once Hamas is destroyed.

On Friday, Hamas said it wanted "a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces from the Gaza Strip" and the return of displaced people to their homes in all areas of the enclave.

US President Joe Biden has repeatedly called for a ceasefire agreement. Trump has said that if there is not a deal to release the hostages before his inauguration, "all hell is going to break out.”