Washington (Web Desk/Agencies): US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that a deal to end the conflict in Gaza and address the issue of hostages is nearly finalized, but the final decision hinges on Hamas's approval.
Speaking at an event hosted by the Atlantic Council, Blinken remarked that the agreement is closer than ever, but negotiations are still pending.
Discussions in Qatar continued throughout the day, with all parties involved suggesting that an agreement is within reach. The United States, Israel, and Hamas have been working through complex negotiations, with Qatar, Egypt, and the US serving as mediators.
A spokesperson for Qatar's foreign ministry mentioned that both sides had reviewed a draft agreement and were in the final stages of determining the specifics.
Hamas officials confirmed that talks are near completion, and they expressed hope that this round of negotiations would lead to a breakthrough.
Israeli representatives echoed these sentiments, noting that while the deal is close, certain details must still be finalized.
The deal under consideration would address the release of hostages, the cessation of hostilities, and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
US President Joe Biden emphasized that the agreement would pave the way for much-needed assistance to those affected by the conflict, which has led to severe humanitarian conditions in Gaza and across the region.
The agreement also includes provisions for the release of Palestinian prisoners by Israel, as part of a phased approach that would unfold over 60 days.
The first phase of the deal would see the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals, alongside a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Despite the progress, many families of hostages remain anxious and hopeful for the swift return of their loved ones.
Meirav Leshem Gonen, whose daughter was taken hostage during an attack at a music festival, expressed cautious optimism, saying that her family continues to hold out hope while remaining grounded in the reality of the situation.
While negotiators are hopeful that an agreement will be reached soon, previous attempts at ceasefires have faltered, with one lasting only a week in November 2023.
The ongoing violence has resulted in continued Israeli airstrikes, which have taken the lives of many Palestinians in Gaza, including civilians.
As the clock ticks down to the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, the stakes are high.
Trump has warned that there will be severe consequences unless the hostages are freed before he takes office while Biden, too, has emphasized the urgency of securing a deal before his term concludes, making the next few days critical for both sides.