Qatar Presents Final Gaza Ceasefire Deal After Breakthrough Talks Involving Envoys of Biden and Trump

Jan 13, 2025, 09:35 AM

Qatar, acting as mediator, has presented Israel and Hamas with a final draft of a ceasefire and hostage release agreement intended to end the over 15-month war in Gaza. The breakthrough was achieved after midnight negotiations in Doha involving Israeli intelligence officials, including the Mossad Chief, the Qatari Prime Minister, and envoys from both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, including Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff. Mediators including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have agreed on the draft and are awaiting approval from both parties. The agreement aims to secure the release of nearly 100 hostages still held in Gaza. Responses from Israel and Hamas are expected within 24 hours, with the decision on the Hamas side resting with Mohammed Sinwar, leader of Hamas's military wing. There is urgency to finalize the deal before President-elect Trump's inauguration.