WSJ: Ceasefire deal nears as Hamas, Israel discuss hostage release, prisoner exchange

Hamas has agreed to key conditions for a potential ceasefire deal with Israel in Gaza, sparking cautious optimism that the long-sought agreement may finally materialize. 

According to Arab mediators, the militant group has signalled its willingness to permit Israeli forces to remain in Gaza temporarily when hostilities cease, Caliber.Az reports via The Wall Street Journal (WSJ).

This marks a shift from Hamas’s previous hardline stance, offering hope for a resolution that could see the release of hostages within days, despite the history of failed negotiations.

The deal, which has garnered backing from both Egypt and the United States, seeks to capitalize on the momentum from a November ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, which largely held despite mutual accusations of violations.

Hamas, for the first time, provided a list of hostages—including US citizens—whom it would release under a ceasefire agreement. The militant group’s concessions come after months of back-and-forth discussions, which have repeatedly stalled.

The US has been at the forefront of efforts to broker the deal. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan recently stated that Israel's military successes, along with the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, have altered the dynamics of the negotiations. This softening of stances from key players, Sullivan added, has placed the parties in a better position to close the deal. He also revealed that his diplomatic efforts would extend to Egypt and Qatar, with hopes of securing the release of hostages and a more lasting ceasefire.

The proposed ceasefire, expected to last for 60 days, would see the release of up to 30 hostages held in Gaza. In exchange, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners and allow an increase in humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza. This deal builds on prior negotiations, which faltered due to disagreements on Israeli troop presence and the terms of the fighting’s cessation.

The shift in Hamas’s approach may be linked to its weakened position following Israeli strikes, which targeted the group's leadership and fighters. The assassination of Yahya Sinwar, the previous Hamas leader, in October 2023, left the group without a singular leadership figure. Instead, Hamas now operates under a collective leadership, which may have facilitated a more flexible stance.

Despite the encouraging signs, Arab negotiators warn that Hamas could still abandon the deal at the last minute, as it has in the past. The key sticking points remain whether Israeli forces will retain their presence in Gaza's strategic corridors and whether any ceasefire would be permanent. Netanyahu, in his latest statements, reiterated that Israeli forces should remain in these crucial areas for security purposes, although negotiators are exploring gradual withdrawal options.

The proposed ceasefire deal also includes provisions for hostages’ release and a prisoner exchange. A comprehensive deal would require both sides to make difficult political decisions, but the potential for a breakthrough remains strong.

This development marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict, which was sparked by Hamas-led attacks on Israel in October 2023, resulting in significant casualties. Despite months of diplomatic deadlock, the recent flexibility shown by Hamas and the evolving international pressure could bring an end to the violence.

If realized, this ceasefire would represent a rare moment of diplomacy amidst the devastation of Gaza, offering hope for both the hostages and the region's long-term stability.

By Aghakazim Guliyev