Mediators delivered a final draft of a Gaza ceasefire agreement to Israeli and Hamas negotiators after a breakthrough from overnight talks, an official involved in the process told Reuters on Monday.
The proposed deal is intended to end the devastating conflict in Palestine covering a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
Qatar hosted the high-stakes negotiations, which brought together senior officials from both sides. Israeli Mossad and Shin Bet chiefs met with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, while US envoys, including Steve Witkoff—who will take office under President-elect Donald Trump—were part of the negotiations. Brett McGurk, representing the outgoing Biden Administration, also attended.
“The next 24 hours are crucial for reaching a deal,” the official stated, calling the draft the product of significant progress achieved early on Monday.
Israeli and Hamas officials in Qatar received the draft and briefed their respective leadership, according to Israel’s “Kan radio.” Both sides stopped short of confirming the draft’s details but acknowledged the advancements made.
A Palestinian negotiator described the situation as “very promising,” citing narrowed gaps and ongoing momentum toward an agreement.
The US, Qatar, and Egypt have spearheaded over a year of discussions, seeking to halt Israel’s war on Gaza that began in October 2023. Although both sides agreed in principle to a ceasefire in exchange for hostages and detainees, key sticking points remained.
Hamas demanded a permanent end to the war and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, while Israel insisted on dismantling Hamas before ceasing military operations.
The war has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, with more than 250 hostages still held by Hamas since the war began. Israeli strikes continued Monday, killing at least 21 people, including five sheltering in a Gaza City school, medics reported.