A significant point of contention is the Israeli military’s continued presence in the Philadelphi corridor, a strategic strip along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt. Discussions in Doha have included proposals for a buffer zone several kilometers wide along Israel’s border with Gaza, where Israel would maintain a military presence.
The potential agreement, structured in three stages, could lead to a ceasefire within days if outstanding issues are addressed. The deal includes a proposed exchange of 20 Palestinian prisoners for every female Israeli soldier released during the initial phase. Palestinian prisoners considered for release are among 400 individuals serving sentences of 25 years or more, excluding high-profile figures like Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti, whose release Israel is expected to veto.
Hostages held in Gaza would also be released in stages, with 62 of the 96 identified hostages believed by Israel to be alive. Hamas reportedly faces challenges in locating some of the missing individuals.
The agreement also outlines the return of Gazan civilians to northern Gaza under Egyptian and Qatari oversight, with plans to facilitate daily aid deliveries via 500 trucks. In the final phase, Gaza’s governance would transition to a committee of technocrats, backed by all Palestinian factions but devoid of prior political affiliations.
Mediation efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt have seen renewed momentum, with both sides expressing increased willingness to reach an agreement. A previous round of negotiations in mid-October faltered, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal.
In a Telegram statement, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups confirmed progress toward a ceasefire agreement, conditional on Israel refraining from imposing additional terms.
The negotiations follow the aftermath of an unprecedented Hamas-led cross-border attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 dead and 251 abducted. More than 100 hostages have since been freed through negotiations or Israeli military operations.
