Gaza ceasefire talks enter final phase, says Palestinian negotiator

Talks between Israel and Hamas to establish a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages in Gaza have reached a crucial stage. A senior Palestinian official involved in the indirect discussions confirmed that the negotiations are now in the “decisive and final phase” as of Monday, December 17.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, also emphasized that an agreement is “closer than ever.”

Mediation efforts led by the US, Qatar, and Egypt have picked up pace, with diplomats noting increased willingness from both sides after over a year of conflict. An Israeli delegation, described as being at a “working level,” is currently in Doha, Qatar, participating in these discussions.

The Palestinian negotiator shared details of a proposed three-phase plan to end the conflict:

• Phase One: Release of civilian hostages and women soldiers within 45 days, along with an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza city centers, the coastal road, and the Egypt border area.
• Phase Two: Release of the remaining hostages, followed by a full Israeli military withdrawal.
• Phase Three: A formal end to hostilities.

Out of the 96 hostages believed to be held in Gaza, Israel estimates that 62 are still alive.

This plan aligns with a framework proposed by US President Joe Biden in May, but negotiators caution that several key details are still unresolved.

Israel’s Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant, underlined the need to dismantle Hamas’s military and governmental authority in Gaza. He stated, “Israel will have security control over Gaza with full freedom of action,” stressing that a return to pre-war conditions is unacceptable.

While these statements are seen as necessary for maintaining support from far-right cabinet ministers in Israel, they could complicate negotiations, as Hamas insists on specific terms for any ceasefire.

The conflict, which began when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on southern Israel in October 2023, has had a devastating impact. The attack killed about 1,200 people and took 253 hostages, though over 100 have since been released or rescued. More than 45,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health, with most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents now displaced and facing widespread destruction, hunger, and limited aid access.

The recent victory of Donald Trump in the US presidential election has increased the urgency of the talks. At a press conference on Monday, Trump urged both sides to finalize a deal before his inauguration, warning of severe consequences if they fail to do so.