The 96 hours leading up to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire were marked by intense negotiations, aiming to bring an end to a war that has claimed over 47,000 lives and displaced millions.
The breakthrough deal, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, brought a temporary halt to 15 months of relentless conflict in Gaza, providing a lifeline for hostages, prisoners, and displaced civilians.
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In Israel, around 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack, with 251 hostages taken into Gaza. Over the course of the conflict, 840 Israeli soldiers lost their lives, while more than 10,000 rockets rained down on the country. At the height of the attacks, over 75,500 Israelis were displaced, with approximately 7,000 still seeking refuge in southern regions.
‘Sometimes you need a deadline’
The final days of talks were marked by marathon sessions in Doha, where Israeli and Hamas negotiators, separated by floors in the same building, exchanged proposals through Qatari and Egyptian mediators.
Brett McGurk, President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy, and Steve Witkoff, a representative from President-elect Donald Trump’s team, worked closely behind the scenes. Their collaboration, spanning multiple administrations, was described as “remarkable” by US officials.
According to John Kirby, a National Security Council spokesperson, the two envoys communicated “multiple times a day” to iron out the details. This partnership was seen as pivotal in bridging divides and pushing the deal across the finish line.
A senior Biden administration official revealed that the transition between administrations added a layer of complexity but also served as a deadline, motivating all parties to finalise the agreement. “In any breakthrough diplomacy, sometimes you need a deadline,” the official told news agency AFP.
Regional dynamics
Over the last half of 2024, significant events had shifted the balance of power. The deaths of key figures, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar, coupled with Israel’s strategic moves against Iranian air defenses and the fall of Syrian leader Bashar al-Assad, weakened Hamas’s position. This created an opening for renewed talks, with the US introducing a peace framework as early as May.
US President Biden, addressing the nation from the White House, expressed relief and pride in the agreement. “At long last,” he said. Biden credited his team, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, for their relentless efforts. He also acknowledged the cooperation with President-elect Trump’s team, noting that the transition played a critical role in ensuring a unified approach.
Final details still being worked out
The ceasefire, set to take effect on January 19, includes provisions for releasing dozens of hostages, many of whom endured months of captivity, and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. It also allows humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, where the devastation has displaced hundreds of thousands. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s prime minister, described the agreement as a delicate but vital step, urging both sides to act in good faith to prevent its collapse.
As the final details were being ironed out, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the fragility of the agreement, stating that the deal was not yet complete.
