
How the Gaza Ceasefire Deal Was Sealed in the Final Minutes
The historic Gaza ceasefire deal that halted the devastating conflict and led to a prisoner-hostage exchange was finalized with just 10 minutes to spare. Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and the US worked tirelessly in secretive talks, navigating tense moments and last-minute disagreements.
For months, hopes of an agreement seemed faint. Yet, in January 2025, all parties found themselves under one roof in Doha, racing against the clock to cement an agreement. Here’s how the breakthrough unfolded.
The Framework for the Gaza Ceasefire Deal
The deal was based on a three-phase plan first outlined by US President Joe Biden in 2024.
- Phase One:
- Immediate ceasefire.
- Hostages held by Hamas exchanged for Palestinian prisoners.
- Gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
- Phase Two:
- Release of remaining hostages and prisoners.
- Permanent cessation of hostilities.
- Phase Three:
- Reconstruction of Gaza.
- Return of displaced Palestinians.
While the framework was clear, the details required months of painstaking negotiation, with major obstacles threatening to derail talks until the very last moment.
How the Dynamics Shifted in December
The turning point came in mid-December 2024, when several key developments forced Hamas to reevaluate its position:
- Leadership Loss: Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was killed in an Israeli operation.
- Weakened Allies: Hezbollah in Lebanon agreed to a truce with Israel, while Syria’s Iran-backed Assad regime fell.
- Increased Pressure: The incoming Trump administration signaled its intent to push for a resolution before the inauguration, adding urgency to the negotiations.
A senior US official noted that Hamas realized it was isolated, with little hope of external support. This “new regional equation” was a pivotal factor in advancing the talks.
The Final Stretch of Negotiations
In the weeks leading up to the deal, discussions intensified. By January 2025, both sides were engaged in proximity talks at a single building in Doha. Mediators shuttled messages and maps between Hamas representatives on one floor and Israeli officials on another.
Key sticking points included:
- Hostage Lists: Hamas delayed agreeing on the exact list of hostages to be released, while Israel added unexpected demands.
- Troop Withdrawals: Disagreements over the positioning of Israeli forces in Gaza delayed progress.
- Return of Displaced Persons: Both sides clashed over mechanisms for ensuring security during the return of displaced Palestinians.
Despite these challenges, mediators from Qatar and Egypt, supported by US envoys, managed to keep the dialogue alive.
Trump’s Pivotal Role
Donald Trump, preparing to take office as US President, played an unexpected but critical role in the final days. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, traveled to Israel to meet with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 11 January, delivering a firm message: Trump wanted a deal finalized immediately.
This intervention reportedly influenced Netanyahu to accept compromises, clearing the way for the agreement to move forward. A Hamas negotiator later acknowledged that Trump’s pressure on Israel was instrumental in reaching a resolution.
A Deal in the Nick of Time
With just hours to go before the scheduled announcement, negotiators resolved one of the last major disputes: the process for returning displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza. Mediators proposed that Qatari and Egyptian teams oversee security checks, a solution both sides accepted.
On 15 January 2025, after months of impasse, a Hamas negotiator confirmed: “Everything is finished.”
At 18:00 local time, Qatar’s prime minister announced the deal to the world.
What’s Next for Gaza and Israel?
While the ceasefire has brought immediate relief, the road ahead remains uncertain:
- Implementation Challenges: Ensuring the smooth execution of prisoner exchanges and troop withdrawals will require ongoing coordination.
- Fragile Trust: Past ceasefires between Israel and Hamas have broken down due to skirmishes and disagreements. Maintaining long-term peace will be a major challenge.
- Gaza’s Reconstruction: Rebuilding the war-torn region and resettling displaced Palestinians will take years and significant international aid.
Despite these challenges, the Gaza ceasefire deal marks a rare moment of hope after more than a year of devastating conflict.
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- Link to related content: Explore Middle East Peace Efforts.
External Link:
- Link to additional reading: Learn more on BBC News.