Mon Jan 13 01:18:05 UTC 2025: ## Biden and Netanyahu Discuss Gaza Ceasefire Amidst Imminent Trump Inauguration

**Deir Al-Balah, Gaza Strip –** Intense negotiations to secure a ceasefire and hostage release in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict are underway, with a deal potentially looming before the inauguration of Donald Trump next week. U.S. President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Sunday, January 12th, 2025, about the efforts, signaling a significant push for a resolution.

Mediated by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, the talks have faced repeated setbacks. However, recent days have seen renewed optimism, with U.S. officials expressing confidence in reaching an agreement. High-level officials, including Israel’s Mossad chief David Barnea and U.S. Mideast adviser Brett McGurk, are currently in Doha, Qatar, actively participating in the discussions.

While White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan stated that the two sides are “very, very close,” he cautioned that a deal is not guaranteed before January 20th. The proposed deal involves a phased ceasefire, with a partial hostage release in exchange for a temporary halt to fighting in the initial phase. However, disagreements remain on the number of hostages to be released, the release of Palestinian prisoners, and the extent of Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza.

The conflict, which began with a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. The ongoing Israeli campaign has devastated Gaza, forcing over 80% of its 2.3 million residents to flee their homes. Meanwhile, families of the approximately 100 hostages still held in Gaza are urging Netanyahu to prioritize a resolution.

Despite the ongoing negotiations, skepticism persists among Palestinians in Gaza, who remain uncertain about the prospects of a lasting ceasefire. The intense pressure to reach an agreement before the Trump administration takes office underscores the urgency and the high stakes involved in these critical negotiations.

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