Hamas has agreed to meet two major Israeli demands in ongoing ceasefire talks, including allowing the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to remain in Gaza during a pause in fighting, according to The Wall Street Journal. The terrorist group also provided a list of hostages, including American citizens, marking a significant development toward a potential ceasefire agreement.
Efforts to secure a deal are gaining momentum. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, stated that Netanyahu is “ready to do a deal” to secure the release of the hostages held since October 7, 2023. “I got the sense from the prime minister he is ready to do a deal,” Sullivan told reporters in Tel Aviv. He dismissed claims that Netanyahu was delaying negotiations in anticipation of the incoming Trump administration, saying, “We want to close this deal this month. I wouldn’t be here today if I thought this is waiting until after Jan. 20.”
Sullivan’s remarks follow his recent meeting with the families of American hostages, who have been held captive for over 430 days. Families in both the U.S. and Israel have been urging Netanyahu to secure a truce and release the hostages, especially after a previous ceasefire deal collapsed in late summer, resulting in the deaths of several hostages, including American Hersh Goldberg-Polin.
The renewed hope for a deal emerged after a 13-point ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah was reached late last month. According to the Wall Street Journal, Hamas has now agreed to allow IDF soldiers to remain in Gaza during a ceasefire and has dropped demands for a permanent end to Israel’s military campaign. The group reportedly provided a list of hostages who could be released under a potential ceasefire pact. However, details remain unclear regarding how many hostages Hamas would release and which of the seven American hostages—three of whom are believed to be alive—are included.
International pressure for a ceasefire has intensified. On Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution with 158 votes in favor, calling for an “immediate, unconditional and permanent cease-fire” and the release of all hostages. Though not legally binding, the resolution reflects global sentiment. The U.S. and Israel voted against it, with Deputy U.S. Ambassador Robert Wood warning that the resolution risks signaling to Hamas that there is “no need to negotiate or release the hostages.”
Meanwhile, Mossad chief David Barnea met with Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani in Doha to discuss the details of a hostage release deal. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz informed U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin on Wednesday that there is now a realistic chance for a deal to secure the release of all hostages, including American citizens.
As talks continue, Netanyahu’s willingness to strike a deal and Hamas’s concessions may finally lead to a breakthrough, offering hope for the return of the hostages and a temporary pause in the ongoing conflict.
