Palestinian factions such as Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) are reportedly nearing the finalisation of a potential ceasefire deal (Photo by Mostafa Alkharouf/Anadolu via Getty Images)
Senior leaders of Hamas convened in Doha this week with representatives from Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) to finalise discussions on a prospective ceasefire agreement in Gaza, a Palestinian source revealed to Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, the Arabic-language sister publication of The New Arab.
The source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated that Palestinian factions have unified their positions, responding positively to the proposed ceasefire draft.
Mediators have reportedly received maps outlining the withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces in Gaza, aligned with technical agreements reached during discussions.
These maps represent a crucial element of the first phase of the agreement.
The source also indicated that Cairo has been chosen as the location for the formal announcement of the ceasefire, following consensus among all parties.
However, no official confirmation has yet been issued by any actors involved.
Late on Tuesday, PIJ announced via Telegram that its delegation was travelling to Doha to finalise the details of the Gaza ceasefire agreement with Israel.
Similarly, Hamas confirmed on Monday that it had engaged in “a series of contacts and consultations” with other Palestinian factions to update them on the progress of negotiations.
Speculation has since emerged that both Hamas and PIJ have approved the ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal.
According to AFP, two Palestinian sources close to the Doha negotiations confirmed the agreement, stating: “The resistance factions reached a consensus among themselves and informed the mediators of their approval of the prisoner exchange and ceasefire agreement.”
Other reports indicate verbal approval by Hamas, with written confirmation pending additional details.
Efforts to mediate a truce have been ongoing for over a year, led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, since October 7, 2023.
Officials have suggested that an agreement is now closer than ever.
Reports indicate that Hamas will release 33 captives currently held in Gaza, while Israel will free approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of the truce’s first phase.
Israeli government spokesman David Mencer confirmed on Tuesday that Israel is seeking the release of 33 captives , stating: “Yes, there are 33 hostages that we want released.”
He also said Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange.
The 33 hostages are part of a larger group of 94 individuals held in Gaza, which includes 34 captives declared deceased by the Israeli military.
A source close to Hamas revealed that the agreement’s initial phase would involve releasing the captives in batches, starting with women and children.
Israeli officials believe these captives are alive, though confirmation from Hamas is still awaited.
Last week, Hamas reportedly agreed to release 34 captives in the first stage, but the retrieval of one body by Israeli forces reduced the figure to 33.
Negotiations have faced several stumbling blocks, including disagreements over the permanence of the ceasefire, the scale of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, and the return of displaced Palestinians in Gaza to their homes.
Further challenges include disputes over Israeli troop withdrawals, the reopening of border crossings, and governance arrangements in Gaza.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has firmly opposed a complete withdrawal from Gaza and ruled out any post-war governance role for Hamas in the territory.
The ongoing discussions in Qatar are being conducted with Hamas and Israeli negotiators in separate rooms, according to reports.
Any agreement reached will likely require approval from Israel’s cabinet.
