A late-night breakthrough occurred in talks attended by envoys of both outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump. Mediators gave Israel and Hamas a final draft of a deal on Monday to end the war in Gaza.
Biden said a ceasefire and hostage release deal he had championed was very close to coming to fruition, and Hamas said it was keen on reaching an agreement.
Another round of talks is planned in Doha on the morning of Tuesday, January 14. To finalize remaining details, Trump’s Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff and Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk are expected to attend, as they had on the previous Monday.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the sides were closer to a deal than they had ever been in the past, noting that it was now Hamas’ time to act.
Biden also spoke on Sunday by phone with Netanyahu, stressing an immediate need for ceasefire in Gaza and return of the hostages. He urged an increase of humanitarian aid and an end to the fighting under the deal, as stated by the White House.
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