Israeli security and policy chiefs arrived in Qatar on Sunday for high-level talks about a proposed cease-fire deal in Gaza that would see hostages released before President-elect Donald J. Trump takes office.
Pressure is mounting to reach an agreement that would become part of the legacy of departing President Biden, who has been pressing for a deal. Mr. Trump has warned that “all hell will break out” if Hamas does not release the hostages before he is inaugurated on January 20.
While some progress has been made, disagreements remain over key points, including Israel’s redeployments and withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli officials say they are close to resolving this point, but Hamas wants detailed maps of where it will withdraw to.
Nearly 100 hostages seized during the Hamas-led attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, remain in Gaza, with at least a third considered dead by Israel. The group has agreed to release an Israeli list of 34 hostages, including those deemed most vulnerable and urgent cases, but Israel is waiting for confirmation.
The US has been mediating between Israel and Hamas, with the Biden administration pushing for a deal that would become part of President Biden’s legacy. Mr. Trump has warned that the absence of a deal could lead to further conflict in the Middle East.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed the current negotiations in Doha with President Biden by phone on Sunday, thanking him and President-elect Donald Trump for cooperation on the issue.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/12/world/middleeast/israeli-security-chiefs-gaza-cease-fire.html