DOHA – Talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt on Dec 17 have been described as “serious and positive” by Hamas, raising hopes for a potential ceasefire and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza. The discussions come amid ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the region, with an Israeli delegation arriving in Doha a day earlier to engage with mediators.
“Hamas affirms that, in light of the serious and positive discussions taking place today… reaching an agreement for a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange is possible if the occupation ceases to impose new conditions,” the group stated.
The negotiations follow a visit to Doha by Mr. David Barnea, head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, on Dec 18. Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, has been instrumental in brokering talks since the onset of the Gaza conflict, though previous efforts have largely fallen short of a sustained truce.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz hinted on Dec 16 that progress was being made, stating negotiators had “not been this close to an agreement” since the November 2023 truce. Similarly, a senior Hamas official based in Doha echoed this sentiment, adding that the negotiations were “closer than ever before.” However, he cautioned that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could still derail the talks.
A week-long pause in fighting in late 2023 briefly allowed for the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons. With both sides appearing to inch closer to a deal, mediators and observers are cautiously optimistic about a potential breakthrough.