Israel-Gaza ceasefire negotiations and hostage release negotiations gain momentum: What you need to know

High-level ceasefire talks appeared to gain momentum on Monday as Arab and American mediators pressed for a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and release hostages held by Hamas before when President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office on January 20.

It remains unclear whether the sides will reach a solution to all the central disputes that proved insurmountable in previous rounds of negotiations, but officials expressed optimism that it could be possible. reach an agreement.

On Monday, President Biden suggested that an agreement between Israel and Hamas was imminent. “On the war between Israel and Hamas, we are close to achieving a proposal that I detailed many months ago and has finally come to fruition,” he said in a foreign policy speech.

Jake Sullivan, US national security adviser, said there was a “clear possibility” that Hamas and Israel could reach an agreement this week.

“The question now is whether we can all come together to seize the moment and make this happen,” Mr. Sullivan told Bloomberg in an interview.

“We are very close to getting it done and they have to get it done,” Mr. Trump said in an interview with Newsmax on Monday. If they can’t do it, there will be a lot of trouble out there.”

He continued, “I understand that — it happened — there was a handshake and they were getting it done. And maybe on the weekend.”

A Hamas official said in a text message that progress had been made on all issues and that an agreement could be reached in the next two days as long as Israel did not change its stance at the last minute.

Earlier on Monday, an Arab diplomat said “real progress” was being made in the negotiations and two Israeli officials said a draft agreement was awaiting approval from Hamas, which 24 hours coming is considered very important.

Other Israeli officials said optimal conditions for a deal had been created, allowing for a breakthrough. These officials say that the emerging agreement will allow Israel to maintain a buffer zone in Gaza during its implementation and that Israeli forces will not leave the territory until all hostages are released.

It also said it would allow displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza to return to the north while unspecified “security agreements” were implemented.

Hamas officials, diplomats and Israeli officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive diplomatic issues.

For months, repeated rounds of negotiations saw hopes raised only to be dashed days later, when Israel and Hamas each blamed the other for the impasse.

If a deal is reached, it would bring some respite to Palestinians in Gaza, who have endured miserable conditions in displacement camps and relentless Israeli bombardment, as well as their families. families of hostages taken from Israel, who have endured months of anxiety over the fate of their children. loved ones.