Middle East Correspondent
Appearances
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
Eight months after this deal was first outlined by President Biden, expectations are again rising that it could form the basis for ending the war in Gaza and exchanging the remaining Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
Hamas officials have been briefing that the two sides are now very close to a deal, and the Israeli foreign minister, Gideon Saar, also today signalled progress in negotiations.
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
The upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as US president has signalled a shift in the long stalemate over a Gaza deal, with Mr Trump threatening all hell would break loose if the hostages were not released before he took office.
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
Mr Trump is seen as a strong supporter of Israel, and his election offers an opportunity for Mr Netanyahu to sell a Gaza truce to his far-right coalition partners at home. Hamas, which wants an end to the war, has been weakened by the erosion of its allies in Lebanon and Syria, and there's hope that American guarantees might now be enough to bridge the group's distrust over Israel's intentions.
Global News Podcast
Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House
Mr Netanyahu has repeatedly refused to commit that he'll permanently end the war and withdraw all Israeli forces from Gaza. Negotiations over this framework deal have fallen apart before, but the signs of success and the expectations are growing.