U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated on Wednesday that mediators in the Gaza negotiations are close to reaching an agreement.
He did not rule out the possibility of a deal being finalized before the end of the Biden administration.
"If we don't do this, then the plan for a ceasefire and the release of hostages that President Biden has put forward will be handed over to the new administration," Blinken said during a press conference in Paris, as cited by Interfax.
White House adviser John Kirby emphasized the readiness of the current administration to brief the incoming team, led by President-elect Donald Trump, ensuring they can "hit the ground running."
Steve Witkoff, Trump’s designated special envoy for the Middle East, expressed optimism during a press conference at Mar-a-Lago on Tuesday.
"I'm very hopeful that by the inauguration, we'll have something good to announce on behalf of the president," Witkoff said.
Hamas and Israeli Perspectives
Hamas spokesman Ahmad Abdul Hadi, speaking to Al-Mayadeen TV, claimed that all previously unresolved issues in the Gaza negotiations have now been settled.
“Now the ball is in Netanyahu’s court, especially after reaching agreement on all points,” he said.
However, conflicting reports emerged from an Israeli official, who told Axios that disagreements remain between Israel and Hamas. The official suggested that while reaching an agreement by January 20 may be difficult, a deal could be finalized in the coming weeks.
