Gaza truce could happen ‘this week’ – White House

There has reportedly been a breakthrough at the Israel-Hamas talks in Doha

Talks in Qatar about ending the conflict between Israel and Hamas are close to succeeding, US national security adviser Jake Sullivan has said.

Israel declared war on the Palestinian group after the October 7, 2023 incursion from Gaza that claimed over 1,100 lives. More than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in the enclave since.

“We are close to a deal, and it can get done this week,” Sullivan told reporters on Monday.

He said the proposal in question had been outlined by US President Joe Biden last June and involves “a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza.”

A “breakthrough” was achieved shortly after midnight, according to Reuters, while Israel’s Channel 12 described the developments in Doha as “dramatic” and claimed that a ceasefire could be announced as early as Tuesday.

Israel has accepted the proposal, which is now awaiting final approval by Hamas, multiple outlets in Tel Aviv have claimed. Both sides are reportedly eager to announce a deal before US President-elect Donald Trump is inaugurated on January 20.

According to the Associated Press, Qatar has pressured Hamas head Muhammad Sinwar to accept the deal, while Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff has reportedly done the same with the Israeli delegation.

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“We renew our pledge with our steadfast and patient people and with our heroic prisoners in the prisons, and we affirm that their freedom is near,” Hamas said in a statement on Monday afternoon.

Qatari ruler Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani received senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya to discuss the ceasefire talks, his office has confirmed.

Egypt’s intelligence chief Hassan Mahmoud Rashad was in Doha on Sunday to help work through any obstacles to the deal, a source has told RT. Reuters later confirmed Rashad’s presence, but said he departed on Monday, leaving an intelligence delegation to continue working.

Turkish media reported that Ankara’s intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin also held phone talks with Hamas in support of the ceasefire initiative.

The heads of Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet intelligence services took part in the talks as well, while the US was represented by Witkoff and the outgoing administration’s envoy Brett McGurk, according to reports.

“There is progress, it looks much better than previously,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told reporters on Monday. “I want to thank our American friends for the huge efforts they are investing to secure a hostage deal.”

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has said that his Religious Zionism will oppose any deal that does not achieve the “destruction” of Hamas, however.

Heavy fighting has continued in Gaza, with at least five Israeli soldiers and 21 Palestinians dying on Monday.