Arab official says ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas likely weeks away

Mediators continue to make progress toward a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, but an Arab diplomat opines that a finalized agreement is likely still weeks away, not just days.

“The trajectory is good, but there are still major issues to be negotiated followed by difficult political decisions that both sides will need to make,” the diplomat told The Times of Israel on December 19, per Caliber.Az.

Hebrew media reports, however, were slightly more optimistic, with unnamed Israeli officials suggesting a deal could be reached before the end of December. One Israeli official told Israeli media, “Talks in Qatar in recent days have been productive, but there are still gaps.” Channel 12 news further reported that significant progress had been made in recent days toward bridging gaps on some of the most contentious issues.

“We are in the final stages of reconciliation,” an Israeli official said, adding that the sides will know in the coming days whether a deal will materialize.

The official credited CIA Director Bill Burns for facilitating the latest compromises between the sides. Burns arrived in Qatar on December 18 to help advance the negotiations.

Meanwhile, Yaron Cohen, the Israeli official responsible for hostage affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office, sent a message to the families of captives. He stated that the combination of recent developments in the region and US influence had created conditions under which a deal could be reached. Cohen advised families against relying on media reports and urged them to directly contact the Prime Minister’s Office for any inquiries.

On December 19, Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated the Biden administration’s belief that a deal is possible, citing the perceived isolation of Hamas and the weakening of the Iran-led Axis of Resistance.

“The reality is we should logically be able to get this, and I say that with all the caution that comes with that statement because we’ve been very close before and we’ve had these ‘Lucy and the football’ moments where you’re just ready to kick the football and Lucy pulls it away,” Blinken said during an interview with Bloomberg.

The primary issue still under negotiation is the nature of the ceasefire deal. Hamas is demanding a permanent end to the fighting that began with its October 2023 onslaught, as well as the withdrawal of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza. Israel, on the other hand, is seeking a temporary pause in hostilities, during which some hostages would be released, followed by a resumption of its military campaign to dismantle Hamas’ military and governing capabilities.

By Tamilla Hasanova