Talks in Doha raise hope for hostage release, truce in Gaza

New Delhi, Jan 14: Indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, held in the same building for the first time, resumed on Tuesday in Doha, raising hopes of a breakthrough in the ongoing Gaza conflict.

A senior Qatari official told the BBC that an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages was “very close.”

Under the emerging deal, as reported by CNN, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the first phase of a ceasefire lasting 42 days.

Israeli officials expressed cautious optimism, saying most of the hostages are believed to be alive, though the remains of some deceased captives may also be returned.

The talks have been facilitated by Qatar, with active involvement from the United States. United States President Joe Biden, who is in office for a week more, expressed optimism on Monday, stating that the US is “pressing hard to close this.” He described the proposed agreement as a step to “halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and increase humanitarian aid to Palestinians.”

President-elect Donald Trump, who will take the oath of President on January 20, also commented on the negotiations, suggesting progress had been made. “There’s been a handshake, and they’re getting it finished,” he told Newsmax. Trump’s incoming envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly collaborated with the Biden administration to finalise the deal before the inauguration.

Negotiations have faced challenges, including disputes over buffer zones in Gaza and the release of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas seeks to restore the buffer zone to its pre-October 7 size of 300-500 meters, while Israel is demanding a zone of 2,000 meters.

Israeli forces are expected to maintain a presence along the Philadelphi Corridor near the Egypt-Gaza border, a contentious issue that stalled previous talks.

The conflict began after Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. In retaliation, Israeli strikes have killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and displaced nearly all of the territory’s 2.3 million residents. The United Nations warns of catastrophic conditions, with dire shortages of food, medicine, and shelter exacerbated by winter rains.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum expressed cautious hope as reports of a deal emerged.

“We continue to trust in those working tirelessly to bring our loved ones home and will not rest until the last hostage returns,” the group said to the media.

Israel’s government must secure cabinet approval for the agreement, which could face legal challenges. However, a senior Israeli official described to international media that the talks are as closer than ever to a resolution, with responses from both sides expected soon.

As the negotiations continue, the world watches with hope that the deal may end months of violence and suffering.