Exclusive | Countdown Begins for Ceasefire in Gaza Amid Fears of Netanyahu’s “Last-Minute Surprises”

A senior Hamas official revealed that the countdown to announcing a Gaza ceasefire has effectively begun, after the movement responded “positively” to certain revisions in the proposed agreement. The official, who asked not to be named, told Arabi21 that the ball is now in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s court.

According to the source, technical committees from all parties have finalized the agreement in its final form, thanks to substantial flexibility shown by Hamas in reaching a consensus. Both Hamas and the mediators are now waiting on the Israeli government’s response. Should Netanyahu give the green light, an Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Doha to formally sign the agreement, which the mediators would then publicly announce.

However, the Hamas official warned of potential last-minute conditions that Netanyahu could set to block the deal. He also emphasized that if the agreement proceeds as planned, it could be implemented within mere hours after it is officially signed.

Phased Withdrawal and an End to the War

The official explained that Hamas showed a high degree of flexibility in arriving at the current formulation of the agreement, which will be implemented in three interlinked phases, ultimately culminating in a complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip. This includes evacuating the Nitzarim axis in central Gaza and the Philadelphia corridor near the Egyptian border, ensuring a permanent ceasefire.

During the first phase, the withdrawal from the “Philadelphia” and “Nitzarim” axes will be partial, with full withdrawal to follow in the third phase, all guaranteed by international mediators. Simultaneously, displaced residents in southern Gaza will be permitted to return northward without any restrictions.

The official stressed that the agreement guarantees the return of all displaced persons to every area in Gaza, free from limitations, alongside a major influx of humanitarian assistance. It also calls for initiating reconstruction efforts and allowing entry of necessary materials under the supervision of mediators.

Netanyahu Decides to Send Delegation

Meanwhile, Israel’s Kan TV reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has decided to dispatch a negotiating team to Doha, including his special political advisor, Ofir Falk. Joining Falk are Mossad Director David Barnea, Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar, and IDF representative Major General Nitzan Alon.

Netanyahu’s office announced that he has held consultations with the Israeli Defense Minister, top security officials, and representatives from both the Biden and Trump administrations regarding a “prisoner-swap deal.” However, the broader context includes the proposed ceasefire arrangement and potential final details that remain to be resolved.