calender_icon.png 23 July, 2025 | 10:02 PM

Israel, Hamas ceasefire deal? Key still issues unresolved

23-12-2024 12:00:00 AM

A woman dressed as an Israeli hostage sits on the lap of a man dressed as US President-elect Donald Trump on a Santa sleigh scene during an anti-government protest calling for action to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday  

Israel and Hamas appear closer to a ceasefire deal that could end the 14-month war in Gaza and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. However, significant hurdles remain, including disputes over prisoner exchanges and troop withdrawals, according to Egyptian, Hamas, and American officials. The proposed deal involves several phases. Initially, fighting would stop, hostages held in Gaza would be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and humanitarian aid would increase. Later phases would focus on releasing remaining hostages, ending the war, and initiating reconstruction discussions.

Key issues holding up a deal:Hostage release

Disagreements persist over the specifics of a hostage-prisoner exchange. Hamas took some 250 hostages during its October 7, 2023, attack. While more than 100 hostages were freed in a November 2023 truce, around 100 remain in Gaza, with some believed to have died. The parties are debating which hostages will be freed first and the number of individuals involved.

Palestinian prisoners Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners as part of the deal, including those convicted in deadly attacks. Disputes persist over the exact number and identities of prisoners to be freed, with Hamas pushing for high-profile releases.

Palestinians returning home

Another sticking point is the return of displaced Palestinians. The war has displaced 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with the hard-hit northern sector of the territory largely emptied of its prewar population. Israel may permit displaced people to return to Gaza City but opposes returns to areas near the Israeli border, citing security concerns about renewed militant activity  While both sides express optimism, previous negotiations have collapsed, and unresolved issues could derail the agreement.