The post Israel and Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal in Doha after mediators iron out final kinks appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The Palestinian delegation negotiating the Gaza “ceasefire” agreement in Doha made an eleventh-hour effort earlier this week to push for the release of two of the most high-profile political prisoners held by Israel: Marwan Barghouti,

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Israel delayed approval of a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, but the United States said it still expected the agreement to go into effect on Sunday as planned.

President Joe Biden and his top diplomats, including Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had sought closure during his term.

Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, as mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Last minute negotiations between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire deal delayed the release of hostages by a day.

Israel has not yet received the list of names of the hostages to be released by HAMAS. This may delay tomorrow's implementation of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of hostages, The Times of Israel reports.

As both United States President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump try to take credit for Israel and Hamas agreeing to a ceasefire deal in Gaza, a relatively unknown political newcomer in Trump’s incoming team has emerged as a key figure in sealing the deal.

Envoy Steve Witkoff, carrying a message from Donald Trump, broke through the impasse in long-futile cease-fire talks.