Israel and Hamas reached a significant “breakthrough” in cease-fire talks early Monday in a deal that aims to finally end more than 15 months of war and bring home the remaining hostages.
Talks held in Qatar — and attended by envoys of both President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump — went into the early hours Monday, with Hamas teasing the release of many of its terrorists captured by Israel.
Although a final deal has not yet been reached, a source involved in the negotiations told Reuters, “The next 24 hours will be pivotal to reaching the deal.”
The talks revolve in part around a list of more than 30 hostages Hamas has said it would be willing to finally release — without saying how many might be alive.
Hamas, meanwhile, promised the release of its own terrorists while confirming it expects a deal.
“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,” the terror group said, according to the Times of Israel.
Steve Witkoff, who will become US envoy when Trump returns to the White House next week, attended the talks, a source involved in them told Reuters.
Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20 has long been seen as a deadline to reach a deal, with the president-elect having warned Hamas there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages are not released.
Among the Israeli delegation heading to the table in Doha is Mossad spy chief David Barnea and Israel Defense Forces hostage point man Maj. Gen. Nitzan Alon.
Biden spoke on the phone with Netanyahu Sunday and stressed the “immediate need for a cease-fire in Gaza and return of the hostages with a surge in humanitarian aid enabled by a stoppage in the fighting under the deal,” the White House said.
About 100 hostages, including seven Americans, are still held by Hamas in Gaza following the Oct. 7, 2023, terrorist attack on Israel. Up to half of them may be dead, according to officials.
With Post wires
