Final Draft of Gaza Ceasefire Deal Presented After 'Breakthrough'

What Happened?

Officials have announced that ceasefire negotiations are nearing a deal to possibly end the long-awaited war in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Mediators reportedly gave a final draft of a deal on Monday to Israel and Hamas after a midnight 'breakthrough' that included representatives on behalf of President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.

Biden said Hamas is keen on reaching an agreement as the sides are on the 'brink' of a deal that includes the release of 33 hostages as part of the first phase, according to a report.

The report adds that the second phase of this potential agreement would be intended to end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

A final round of talks to finalize any pending issues was reportedly scheduled for Tuesday on the same day Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu invited to meet with some families of hostages in Doha.

Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Biden's top Middle East official Brett McGurk are reportedly expected to attend.

Some officials reportedly believe an official ceasefire agreement will be announced in the forthcoming final days that Biden is in office as president.

Why it Matters

The United Nations Human Rights Office had reportedly expressed concerns about Israeli attacks on and around hospitals that have pushed Gaza's healthcare system to 'the brink of total collapse.'

Some of Israel's actions began raising serious concerns about war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The Jabaliya area stands as one of the most heavily destroyed territories as 90% of Gaza’s residents have been forced from their homes as a result of the war.

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been reportedly killed since the war began Oct. 7, 2023.

Humanitarian aid efforts have also been reported as 'extremely difficult.'

Israel and Hamas have previously accused each other of complicating ceasefire efforts to end the 15-month war.

Israel would like to see Israeli hostages freed, while Hamas has consistently demanded a full withdrawal of Israeli troops.

National security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that current negotiations were at a 'pivotal' moment to successfully close this deal.

How it Affects You

President-elect Donald Trump, who takes office in less than a week, has warned there would be 'all hell to pay in the Middle East' if hostages held in Gaza are not released by the time he returns to office.

The recent optimism among the parties involved shows hope that an end is near to this conflict that has impacted millions globally.

Sullivan added, 'We are working together to try to generate a deal that will serve the American people, the Israeli people, and the cause of peace across the world.'