Media: Hamas leader agrees "in principle" to ceasefire deal talks Still Ongoing

Hamas' Gaza leader Mohammed Sinwar has reportedly agreed "in principle" to the framework of a Qatari-brokered ceasefire deal.

This move comes as intense efforts to secure a hostage deal intensify ahead of the new US administration’s arrival, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum provided an update to families on January 14 evening regarding high-level assessments involving Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Israel Katz, and other senior security officials.

The forum noted that “intensive consultations and situation assessments continued at the Prime Minister's Office in Jerusalem,” adding that discussions would carry on throughout the night.

Sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that Hamas had submitted its agreement to the draft proposal, though the group is seeking further clarification on specific details, particularly related to the withdrawal of Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) from certain areas.

"Hamas fears Israel might avoid implementing the gradual withdrawal unless mediators possess clear, referenceable maps that can be consulted in the event of any Israeli violations," said one source.

Note that, the ongoing talks are complicated by a request from Hamas for additional hours to review particular clauses of the agreement, a delay reportedly unrelated to troop withdrawal maps. 

"Israel maintains its position on retaining veto authority over the names of prisoners," Sky News Arabic reported.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan expressed cautious optimism from Washington, stating that he "hopes to close the hostage deal this week." As the negotiations remain in a delicate phase, both sides continue to grapple with critical unresolved issues.

By Aghakazim Guliyev