With high-level Israeli and US officials reaching Qatar to finalise the ceasefire and hostage release agreement, the first set of captives could be released within a week if things go right.
Sources in Hamas reportedly claimed that they have come to an agreement with Israel and is awaiting a final approval by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The talks were reportedly "at the closest point" to signing the deal.
Horror after horror is still being unleashed on children in Gaza in the new year.
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) January 11, 2025
Enough is enough. Children must be protected, hostages released and safe humanitarian access ensured.
Ceasefire NOW. pic.twitter.com/TpS4nNWsDL
Once the agreement is inked, the mediating nations will announce the details, including the dates, in a press meet.
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The Israeli delegation who travelled to Doha include Netanyahu's adviser Ophir Falk, Mossad chief David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ron Bar. IDF's hostage point man Major General Nitzan Alon is also accompanying them.
This comes after Netanyahu discussed the situation with Defence Minister Israel Katz and security chiefs as well as officials of Joe Biden administration and the incoming Donald Trump administration.
Trump's pick for US Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff, who met Qatar PM Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani to discuss the negotiations, also met Netanyahu. Witkoff will also join the Israel delegation in Doha. The US delegations will be officially headed by Biden's Middle East envoy Brett McGurk.
A Hamas source told Doha-based Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Hamas had to put off several issues for a later phase of the ceasefire deal.
Earlier, Israel and Hamas blamed each other, with Netanyahu's office accusing the militants of backtracking on their promises. On the other hand, Hamas alleged that Tel Aviv was making new demands.
