Acceleration in Gaza Agreement Negotiations as Trump’s Team Pushes Netanyahu /  Hamas Confirms Progress: Flexibility to Ensure Success Without Compromising on Ending the War and Withdrawal

 January 13, 2025

The political editor wrote

Reports from Doha, corroborated by media outlets and stakeholders, confirm that negotiations for a Gaza agreement are nearing a positive conclusion. High-level representatives from all concerned parties, including envoys of the current and incoming U.S. Presidents, Joe Biden and Donald Trump, as well as top delegations from Israel and Palestine, are actively participating in discussions. The anticipated agreement outlines the cessation of hostilities in its final stages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces by the last day of this phase. Hamas, however, has linked the release of the final group of captives it holds to the fulfillment of Israel’s remaining obligations under the agreement.
Senior Hamas sources indicate significant progress in negotiations, warranting cautious optimism unlike previous instances where misleading U.S. claims of advancements were later used to blame Hamas for failures. The sources attribute the current breakthrough to the resilience of the resistance, which transitioned to an open war of attrition, and to Israel’s realisation of the futility of continuing a war that only endangers its captives. Additionally, President-elect Donald Trump’s administration seeks to showcase its ability to resolve critical issues. While the Hamas delegation remains vigilant against potential pitfalls, it exhibits considerable flexibility regarding timelines without compromising two key demands: ending the war and ensuring a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
In Lebanon, MPs are set to decide today on the Prime Minister-designate tasked with forming the new government. The race is primarily between incumbent Najib Miqati, whose candidacy appeared secured last night with the backing of Lebanese Forces and their allies for Fouad Makhzoumi. However, late-night discussions introduced Judge Nawaf Salam, President of the International Court of Justice, as a serious contender. The Lebanese Forces are reconsidering their stance, while the Democratic Gathering bloc and the Free Patriotic Movement are weighing their support for Salam, despite previously favoring Miqati. Speculation suggests that Salam might even secure a near-unanimous nomination, as the resistance has no veto against him. His stance aligns more closely with President Michel Aoun’s position on the resistance, contrasting with Makhzoumi’s.