Gaza ceasefire deal during Biden's term likely to fall short: WSJ

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Wall Street Journal
1 Jan 2025 15:38

Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and the Israeli government have stalled, with little chance of reaching an agreement before President Biden's term ends.

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President Joe Biden speaks during a Medal of Honor Ceremony at the White House in Washington, on July 3, 2024. (AP)

Ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and the Israeli government have recently stalled, according to Arab mediators, making an agreement unlikely before the end of President Biden's term, The Wall Street Journal reported. This setback is seen as a blow to the Biden administration.

In "Israel", families of captives are pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to finalize a deal to secure their release, warning that each day of captivity threatens their safety. Hopes had initially risen after Lebanon agreed to a ceasefire with "Israel" in late November, which raised hopes of momentum for a deal, as per the report.

At that time, Hamas indicated a willingness to delay discussions on a permanent end to the war on Gaza and focus on releasing captives in exchange for a ceasefire. Mediators proposed a 60-day ceasefire, during which up to 30 captives could be released in exchange for the release of Palestinian detainees and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan had suggested in mid-December that a deal was near, following a meeting with Netanyahu. However, the talks collapsed as both sides became entrenched in their positions, as per the report.

"Israel" insisted on receiving only living captives in any exchange and rejected the release of certain Palestinian detainees, while Hamas demanded a clear path toward ending the war.

A US official indicated that the core structure of a potential deal had not changed since the spring, but the key sticking point remains the issue of captives and prisoners. Arab mediators believe that negotiations will resume after the new US administration takes office. President-elect Donald Trump has threatened that there will be severe consequences if the captives are not released before he assumes office in January.

New Israeli demands delayed Gaza ceasefire deal: Hamas

The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas affirmed last week that mediated negotiations liaisoned by Qatar and Egypt for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal in Gaza, taking place in Doha, are continuing "in a serious manner."

In a statement, the movement revealed that "Israel" placed forward new conditions and demands regarding the withdrawal of its forces, the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreements, and the return of displaced individuals, which delayed reaching the proposed deal.

Nonetheless, the Palestinian group said it was showing flexibility regarding the new conditions imposed by the Israeli occupation.

At the time, Reuters reported that gaps between "Israel" and Hamas over a potential ceasefire in Gaza have narrowed, though significant issues remain unresolved. Efforts by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the US to broker a truce have gained traction in recent weeks, but no major breakthroughs have been announced.

A Palestinian official involved in the discussions revealed that while some contentious points had been addressed, disagreements persist over the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed by "Israel" and the future positioning of Israeli troops within Gaza.

Israeli Diaspora Minister Amichai Chikli echoed these concerns, stating that the two sides are closer to an agreement than they have been in months, but mentioned that unresolved issues could determine the success or longevity of any truce.