Israel and Hamas appeared to achieve a momentous “breakthrough” in their truce negotiations early Monday, with the intention of concluding the drawn-out 15-month conflict and securing the return of the last hostages still in captivity.
Discussions in Qatar, involving representatives from President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump, extended well past midnight on Monday, as Hamas hinted at the possible liberation of several of its members currently detained by Israel.
Although a final agreement remains unfinished, an individual privy to the talks told Reuters, “The next 24 hours will be pivotal to reaching the deal.”
Central to the negotiations is a roster of more than 30 hostages that Hamas has indicated it may ultimately free — though the group has not specified how many of them might still be alive.
Hamas also vowed to release its own jailed members while expressing optimism about a forthcoming accord. “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,” the terror group said, according to the Times of Israel.
Steve Witkoff, poised to serve as the US envoy once Trump reenters the Oval Office next week, joined the discussions, according to a source familiar with the proceedings who spoke to Reuters.
With Trump’s swearing-in on Jan. 20 fast approaching, the deadline for concluding an arrangement has loomed. The president-elect has cautioned Hamas there would be “hell to pay” if the captives were not freed.
Among the Israeli representatives who have gone to Doha are Mossad chief David Barnea and Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon, who spearheads hostage affairs for the Israel Defense Forces.
President Biden and Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu spoke by phone on Sunday, with Biden emphasizing the “immediate need for a cease-fire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal,” the White House stated.
Roughly 100 hostages, including seven Americans, remain in Hamas custody in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Officials estimate that as many as half of those captives may already have died.
{Matzav.com Israel}