The official estimated the deal to be “90% complete.”
The Palestinian side wants to end Israeli operations in the Philadelphi corridor—an area running along Gaza’s border with Egypt—while Israel insists on maintaining a security foothold. Talks in Doha also address the possibility of establishing a buffer zone several kilometers wide along the entire border, where Israel would retain a military presence, the official said.
Three-stage ceasefire and prisoner exchange
If the border issue is resolved, a phased ceasefire could be announced within days. According to the official, each phase would involve freeing female Israeli soldiers in exchange for groups of 20 Palestinian prisoners serving sentences of 25 years or more.
Hamas is believed to be holding 96 Israeli hostages, with 62 still presumed alive. The group is reportedly still searching for some of those missing.
Under the proposal, Gazan civilians could return to the north of the enclave under Egyptian and Qatari oversight. Around 500 trucks carrying aid would be permitted to enter daily.
In the plan’s final stage, which would end the 14-month war, Gaza would be administered by technocrats from the enclave who lack prior political affiliations but enjoy the support of all Palestinian factions, the official added.
Mediation efforts resume
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. have resumed mediation, encouraging both Israel and Hamas to conclude a deal. A previous attempt in mid-October failed when Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal, accusing Israel of imposing new conditions.
Hamas, Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) said in a joint statement on Saturday that a ceasefire “has become closer than ever,” provided Israel halts adding demands.
War’s humanitarian toll
Hamas’ cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killed approximately 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 others. Israel launched a major offensive on Gaza in response.
Officials in the enclave’s Health Ministry report more than 45,000 people have since been killed, including 17,000 children. Over 100 hostages have been freed, either through negotiations or Israeli military operations, though 11,000 more Palestinians are still believed to be trapped under rubble, the ministry said.
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Source: BBC, Al Jazeera