Cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas reportedly 90% complete

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas over a cease-fire and prisoner swap deal are reportedly in their final stages, according to an Israeli newspaper. Discussions between the two parties have intensified, with “90% of the details” allegedly agreed upon, political sources told Yedioth Ahronoth on Saturday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed the dispatch of a high-ranking delegation to Qatar to further negotiations. Among the officials involved are Mossad chief David Barnea, Shin Bet director Ron Bar, Nitzan Alon—responsible for the hostage portfolio within the Israeli army—and Netanyahu’s political advisor Ophir Falk.

The negotiations are reportedly hung up on a critical demand from Hamas for “guarantees” that Israel will honor a second phase of the agreement. Hamas remains apprehensive that Netanyahu might resume military actions following the completion of the initial phase.

Adding to the urgency of the discussions, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Steve Witkoff, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, arrived unannounced in Israel on Saturday to meet with Netanyahu. Mediators from the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar are also working to finalize the agreement ahead of Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20.

Despite these developments, the conflict in Gaza continues to claim lives. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Israeli military operations have resulted in over 46,500 deaths, predominantly women and children, according to reports. The violence persists despite a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

International legal scrutiny has mounted over the Gaza conflict. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its actions in the enclave.

Efforts to broker a cease-fire have so far been unsuccessful, with Netanyahu resisting calls to end the military campaign. Both sides are now racing to finalize an agreement before the upcoming U.S. administration assumes office.