Efforts for Gaza ceasefire intensify as Trump presidency nears

As Donald Trump’s return to the White House nears, there has been some speculation about the possibility of achieving a ceasefire in Gaza before he takes office.

While Israel has continued to target Lebanese border communities despite the ceasefire with Hezbollah holding,  Trump’s recent comments have sparked reports of behind-the-scenes efforts to reignite talks aimed at ending Israel’s devastating war on Gaza and securing the release of remaining captives. 

On the ground, however, Israeli bombardments continue unabated, and negotiations for a ceasefire continue to be stalled. 

The territory’s health ministry reports that over 44,500 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces sine 7 October 2023, with dozens more dying every day. 

Meanwhile, the United Nations has warned that the delivery of food and humanitarian aid in Gaza has reached a critical low. 

However, according to various reports, the US is already enacting strategies to address Israel’s ongoing offensive on Gaza, while other key players involved in negotiations for a Gaza truce are also taking similar steps.  

Initiating diplomatic efforts – Qatar returns to mediation role

A recent report by Israel’s Channel 12 on Tuesday claimed that Trump had contacted Israel’s former defence minister Yoav Gallant for details about captives held in Gaza. 

This coincided with Trump publicly warning that there would be “hell to pay” if the captives in Gaza are not freed before his inauguration in January.  

Meanwhile, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday that Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, travelled to Qatar and Israel to initiate diplomatic efforts. 

Witkoff, who will officially assume his role in the new administration after January, held separate meetings in late November with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has an arrest warrant against him for war crimes from the International Criminal Court, and Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. 

Witkoff  highlighted Qatar’s return as a key mediator after it suspended its role last month, citing a lack of commitment from both sides.  Doha had previously facilitated indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. 

Israeli news outlet Haaretz also cited a source said to have knowledge of the talks confirm that Doha resumed its role as a mediator. 

Qatari Prime Minister Al Thani told British broadcaster Sky News Wednesday that Trump’s advisers and the incoming administration are pushing to secure a deal once he takes power. 

Israel and Egypt bring forth new ceasefire proposal 

Israel and Egypt have also reportedly proposed a new captive and ceasefire deal to Hamas. 

According to US news outlet Axios, Netanyahu approved a ceasefire proposal during a Sunday meeting with senior ministers and security chiefs. 

It closely resembles earlier offers but introduces a 60-day period in which Israeli troops would remain in Gaza, with a phased exchange of captives for Palestinian detainees beginning immediately. 

It would also prioritise the release of all surviving female Israeli captives, men over 50, and those in critical medical condition. 

Following the trial period, the incoming Trump administration is expected to facilitate a permanent truce.

While Israeli officials claim Hamas has shown some flexibility, the group has yet to formally endorse the plan or drop its demand for a complete end to the war and full withdrawal of Israeli forces in the Strip. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has since expressed optimism about reaching a truce agreement. 

“The most important thing today in the war is to bring the hostages home,” Katz said in a statement issued on Wednesday by his office.  

“This is the supreme goal that stands before us, and we are working in every way to make this happen.”