Israel, Hamas edge closer to cease-fire, prisoner swap in Qatar talks

Hundreds of people gather demonstrating for a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostages swap deal in Tel Aviv, Israel on November 2, 2024. (AFP Photo)

An Israeli delegation traveled to Doha, Qatar, for negotiations on a potential cease-fire and prisoner exchange with Hamas, according to Israel's public broadcaster KAN. The delegation reportedly has "limited authority" to finalize agreements.

Why it matters

The talks mark a critical effort to resolve ongoing tensions between Israel and Hamas, with the possibility of a lasting cease-fire. This comes as both sides face international pressure to reduce hostilities.

Details

Israel aims to secure an agreement before Jan. 20, when U.S. President-elect Donald Trump takes office.
Negotiations have reportedly made "significant progress" in recent weeks, according to unnamed officials.
Hamas is believed to be holding approximately 100 Israeli prisoners.

Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, speaking at a military show in the southern Gaza Strip 11 November 2019 (Reuters Photo)An Israeli tank maneuvers, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, near the Israel-Gaza Border, in southern Israel, May 7, 2024. (Reuters Photo)

Big picture

Hamas and Israel agreed to a temporary cease-fire in November 2023 during a prisoner swap, but violence resumed shortly after.

This new round of talks could offer a chance to stabilize the volatile situation in Gaza.

Israel's acting foreign minister Israel Katz, who also serves as intelligence and transport minister, attends the weekly cabinet meeting in Jerusalem February 24, 2019. (Reuters Photo)Israel Katz and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. (AFP Photo)

What they’re saying on Israel-Hamas prisoner swap

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz stated, "We are closer to a prisoner exchange agreement than we have been since the last deal."
Katz highlighted progress since the November agreement, framing it as a rare opportunity for resolution.

What’s next

If successful, the agreement could include a broader ceasefire deal. However, time is running out for both sides to finalize terms before the U.S. administration changes hands.

December 17, 2024 09:58 AM GMT+03:00