Breakthrough in Doha: Final Gaza ceasefire draft delivered

Qatar has submitted a "final" draft of a ceasefire agreement to “Israel” and Hamas in a bid to end the ongoing war in Gaza, an official familiar with the negotiations told Reuters on Monday.

The breakthrough reportedly occurred in Doha after midnight following intensive talks involving “Israeli” intelligence leaders, President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Qatar’s Prime Minister.

US President Joe Biden held discussions with “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday, the White House reported. US officials are racing to secure an agreement before Biden’s term concludes on January 20.

In their phone call, Biden and Netanyahu discussed efforts to halt hostilities in Gaza and secure the release of hostages. Biden underscored the "urgent need" for a ceasefire, the return of captives, and increased humanitarian aid contingent on a cessation of fighting, the White House said.

Key figures in Doha

In Doha, high-profile mediators, including Brett McGurk, an advisor to President Biden, and Steve Witkoff, an advisor to President-elect Trump, are working on proposals to mediate between “Israel” and Hamas.

“Israel's” delegation, led by Mossad Chief Dedi Barnea, is accommodated in a secluded guesthouse managed by Qatari security services, located away from the capital.

Read more: Report: "Israel" greenlights troop withdrawal plan from Gaza

Progress amid challenges and growing optimism

Despite the challenges faced during negotiations, progress was signaled by Netanyahu’s office following his call with US President Joe Biden. According to an official statement, Netanyahu updated Biden on advancements made by the “Israeli” delegation in Doha concerning the release of captives.

According to a report published on Ynet, Vice President-elect J.D. Vance suggested that the deal could be finalized before Donald Trump’s inauguration. "We hope the agreement will be signed towards the end of the Biden administration, perhaps even in its final days," Vance said.

Three-Phase Framework

According to Ynet, the agreement under discussion builds on a framework initially outlined on May 27, 2024, with later revisions. The proposed deal includes three phases:

• First phase:

Release of 34 captives in exchange for a six-week ceasefire and the release of approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including women, minors, and those rearrested after the Shalit deal.

Additional steps include repositioning the “Israeli” Occupation forces outside populated areas in Gaza, facilitating displaced Palestinians' return to northern Gaza, opening the Rafah Crossing for humanitarian aid, and enabling medical evacuations.

• Second phase:

A week later, this phase involves releasing the remaining captives, extending the ceasefire for another six weeks, and initiating discussions on ending the conflict, including an “Israeli” withdrawal from Gaza.

• Third Phase:

Conditional on progress in the earlier phases, this stage focuses on Gaza’s rehabilitation and governance.

Read more: Progress in Gaza ceasefire deal as key details emerge