One of the three officials and a Hamas official said that there were still a number of hurdles to clear.
Mohammad Eid carries the body of one of his three relatives killed on Saturday in an Israeli airstrike, as they are prepared for the funeral in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza Strip, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025.
One person familiar with the talks said there had been a breakthrough overnight and that there was a proposed deal on the table. Israeli and Hamas negotiators will now take it back to their leaders for final approval, the person said. Asked about the talks at a press conference, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said "progress has been made, and I hope that within a short time we will see things happening. But it is still to be proved."
Under discussion now is a phased ceasefire. Netanyahu has repeatedly signaled that he is committed only to the first phase, a partial hostage release in exchange for a weekslong halt in fighting. The possibility of a lasting ceasefire and other issues would be negotiated after the first phase begins. Hamas has demanded a full withdrawal and complete end to the war, and is hoping that this first phase will lead to that outcome.
U.S. President Joe Biden, who hopes to wrap up a deal before leaving office next week, spoke with Netanyahu about the talks on Sunday. "We are very, very close," he said. "Yet being very close still means we're far, because until you actually get across the finish line, we're not there."Just one brief ceasefire has been achieved during the war, and that was in the earliest weeks of fighting. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said last week that a deal is "very close" and he hoped to complete it before handing over diplomacy to the incoming Trump administration.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Netanyahu: Israel to Resume Gaza Fighting After Any Cease-Fire with HamasIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in a closed meeting that fighting in Gaza would resume following any cease-fire agreement with Hamas. Netanyahu said resuming fighting is intended to complete the war's objectives and encourages a deal. The Prime Minister's Office declined to comment on the report, which also claimed that some negotiators have expressed concern over Netanyahu's stance. Hamas demands international guarantees for the later stages of a potential cease-fire.
Read more »
Palestinian Leader Predicts Trump Will 'Destroy Iran', Crumbling Hamas InfluenceA top Palestinian leader believes President-elect Donald Trump's policies will lead to the destruction of Iran, ultimately causing the remaining influence of Hamas to weaken. Hamas has faced significant setbacks in the Gaza Strip due to Israel's military operations, but it continues to challenge the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank. The Palestinian Authority, supported by Western governments like the US, accuses Hamas of aligning with foreign regimes and engaging in extremist activities. Palestinian security forces are actively suppressing Hamas in Jenin, a West Bank town where gunmen recently stole PA vehicles and displayed Hamas and ISIS flags.
Read more »
Israel refusing Hamas' demand to release terrorist mastermind Marwan Barghouti in exchange for hostages: reportProgress is now being reported in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, according to officials involved in the talks.
Read more »
Gaza death toll tops 45,000 as Israel-Hamas war hits 14 months, health officials reportThe latest war has been by far the deadliest round of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Read more »
Gaza death toll tops 45,000 as Israel-Hamas war hits 14 months, health officials reportThe latest war has been by far the deadliest round of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Read more »
Gaza death toll tops 45,000 as Israel-Hamas war hits 14 months, health officials reportThe latest war has been by far the deadliest round of fighting between Israel and Hamas.
Read more »