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Hamas Awaits Israeli Approval on Gaza Ceasefire Draft as Trump's Inauguration Looms

Jan 12, 2025, 06:44 PM

Hamas has completed a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza, which is now awaiting approval from Israel. The draft, which outlines terms for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange, was finalized by mediators and presented to an Israeli delegation in Doha. The agreement proposes that Israel withdraw from specific areas, including the Rafah border crossing and parts of the Philadelphi Corridor, with 33 captives to be released a week after the ceasefire begins. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure to approve the deal, with the Israeli opposition and families of the remaining 98 hostages accusing him of obstructing efforts to reach a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The Israeli army has continued its operations in Gaza, which have resulted in over 46,500 deaths, mostly women and children, since October 7, 2023. The United States, Qatar, and Egypt are mediating the talks, with US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both involved in efforts to secure a deal before Trump's inauguration on January 20, 2025. Trump has threatened severe consequences for Hamas if the hostages are not released by his inauguration, with his incoming administration promising aggressive sanctions and support for Israel to dismantle Hamas's remaining 24 battalions and leadership.