Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza have seen limited progress, according to Palestinian sources involved in the negotiations. U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators are working to reach an agreement to end the conflict and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Palestinian officials confirmed Thursday that discussions have narrowed some gaps but remain unresolved. “There is a breakthrough in narrowing old gaps, but there is no deal yet,” a Palestinian negotiator stated. Talks are underway in Qatar, with negotiators addressing contentious issues line by line.
As diplomatic efforts continue, violence in Gaza has escalated. Israeli airstrikes on Thursday killed at least 17 people, including eight in Jabalia, a refugee camp, and nine others in central Gaza, according to Palestinian medics. The death toll from the past 24 hours stands at 70, while the overall death count has exceeded 46,000 since the conflict began in October 2023.
The Israeli military launched its offensive following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages being taken. Israel maintains that its operations will continue until Hamas is dismantled and all hostages are freed. Hamas has refused to release remaining hostages without a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
Humanitarian agencies report dire conditions in Gaza, with 2.1 million residents facing severe shortages of food, water, and medicine. Israel has facilitated limited aid deliveries, though criticism of the humanitarian situation persists. In a speech Thursday, Pope Francis condemned the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure and the suffering of civilians, describing the situation as “serious and shameful.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reaffirmed his government’s commitment to recovering all hostages, living or deceased, and stated that military efforts would continue to meet this objective.
The outcome of the ceasefire talks carries significant implications for the Middle East. President-elect Trump has warned of severe consequences if hostages are not released by his inauguration. Mediators hope the ongoing talks can yield a breakthrough to avoid further escalation.
