Israel says hostage-ceasefire deal with Hamas closer than ever: What we know
Israeli officials and Hamas sources are both saying that a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages is closer than ever before.
Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that Israel is "the closest we have been to a hostage deal since the previous deal" in November 2023, as negotiations intensify over a potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of captives held by Hamas.
Early in December, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported that a Hamas delegation arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian intelligence, presenting a list of hostages who could be released. Shortly thereafter, Israel's Channel 12 reported the arrival of an Israeli delegation, which included Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar and Israeli military chief Herzi Halevi. According to Haaretz, other discussions have been kept highly discreet.
Addressing the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Katz confirmed that the draft agreement being negotiated indirectly between Israel and Hamas will be implemented in stages. While withholding full details, he stated, "There will be an overwhelming majority in the cabinet and an overwhelming majority in the government [in support of] the hostage agreement."
Katz claimed that Israel’s two demands to maintain security control over the Philadelphi Corridor, along the Egypt-Gaza border, and the Netzarim Corridor, dividing the Gaza Strip from north to south, would not obstruct a deal, as Hamas has shown some flexibility on both issues. “The other side understands that we are not going to end the war. Discussions are ongoing with multiple parties about the day after, but the condition remains that Hamas does not control the Strip,” he told the Knesset committee.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously stated that Israel will not end the war until Hamas’ military capabilities are fully destroyed. He has also emphasized the need for Israel to maintain control over the Philadelphi Corridor to block the smuggling of weapons from Egypt into Gaza. Regarding the Netzarim Corridor, Netanyahu has insisted that Israeli control is essential to prevent armed Hamas operatives from moving between the southern and northern parts of the Gaza Strip.
According to the Walla news site, Katz stated that discussions about "the day after" the Gaza war are underway with multiple parties. However, he emphasized that Israel’s condition for any post-war plan is that Hamas must not be part of the governing body in Gaza.
Israel’s Haaretz reported Sunday, citing sources familiar with the negotiations, that the exact number of hostages to be released remains uncertain. Earlier reports in the Israeli press suggested that the initial stage of the deal, described as "humanitarian," would involve the release of a small number of sick or wounded hostages, excluding those who are soldiers.
What Hamas is saying
The London-based Saudi daily Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported Monday, quoting an unnamed Hamas official, that the negotiations are closer to reaching a deal than ever before. According to the report, Hamas and other factions in Gaza have shown significant flexibility, including agreeing to a phased cessation of hostilities based on a prearranged timeline, with international guarantees to uphold the ceasefire.
Yet the Hamas official emphasized that the group would not compromise on its demands for a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of displaced residents to their homes in both northern and southern Gaza. The official also urged the US administration to pressure Netanyahu to avoid obstructing or undermining the negotiations.
Netanyahu-Trump talks
On Sunday, Netanyahu revealed that he discussed efforts to secure the release of hostages with President-elect Donald Trump. The Israeli prime minister said they spoke "at length" about the ongoing efforts but declined to share specifics on the current draft. "We are working tirelessly to bring our hostages home, both the living and the fallen," Netanyahu stated. "The less we say about it, the better — that way, with God's help, we will succeed."
According to Channel 12, Netanyahu urged Trump to pressure Egyptian and Qatari negotiators to push Hamas into agreeing to a significantly higher number of hostages to be released in the first "humanitarian" phase. Channel 12 reported that Netanyahu argued the number currently being offered by Hamas for this phase is unacceptable.
Ynet reported Saturday that Adam Buhler, who is expected to be nominated by Trump to handle the issue of hostages, is set to travel to Israel this week for meetings with hostages' families and Israeli officials.
