Israel, Hamas Near Ceasefire Deal

Israel and Hamas are edging closer to a ceasefire agreement that could bring an end to the 15-month war in Gaza and secure the release of dozens of Israeli hostages. The two sides are facing mounting pressure from outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to reach a deal before the January 20 inauguration.

The latest round of negotiations has stalled over the names of hostages to be released in the first phase. Israel is seeking assurances that the hostages are alive, while Hamas claims that the intense fighting has made it difficult to determine who is alive or dead.

The proposed deal includes a six-to-eight-week first phase, featuring a halt in fighting, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to Gaza. The first batch of hostages to be released will comprise mostly women, older people, and those with medical conditions.

Israel is expected to free hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians, including those convicted in bloody attacks, as part of the deal. However, disagreements remain over the exact number and names of prisoners to be freed. Hamas is pushing for the release of high-profile prisoners, while Israeli officials have ruled out the release of Marwan Barghouti, who tops Hamas' wish list.

The war has had a devastating impact on Gaza, with over 45,800 Palestinians killed and an estimated 90% of the territory's 2.3 million people displaced. Families of hostages are growing increasingly frustrated, calling for a comprehensive deal that releases all captives at once.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism about the prospects of a deal, saying, “If we don't get it across the finish line in the next two weeks, I'm confident that it will get to completion at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later.”