Israeli officials told media outlets on Monday morning that a major breakthrough in negotiations for a hostage deal in Hamas occurred overnight, with a deal imminent if it is approved by the terror group.

Senior Israeli officials confirmed that a deal is close but the final signature depends on Hamas. “The question is whether they will make the decision that turns the negotiations into a decision for a final agreement,” they said. “It’s really in their hands.”

They added that it is difficult to say whether it is a matter of hours or days, repeating that “everything depends on Hamas.”

“Israel has come a long way” in the negotiations, another source said.

According to one source, the “Trump effect” has led Qatar mediators to put intense pressure on Hamas to accept a deal.

Ynet reported that sources familiar with the details of the emerging deal said there are several issues or elements that will determine whether an agreement is reached. “It is related to the situation in the northern Gaza Strip, the Philadelphi Corridor, and the area along the  Gaza border [where Israel has requested to establish a buffer zone]. Another issue is related to how many terrorists are to be released, including Israel’s veto rights on this matter and the destination of terrorists serving life sentences – whether they will return home or be exiled to a third country.”

The sources added that the condition of the hostages is the foremost consideration. “It should be remembered that we are negotiating for everyone, for all 98 hostages in the hands of Hamas and other terror organizations. The first phase of the deal is obviously the focus because that will initiate everything. The negotiations are for all hostages – without exception. In the first phase, according to reports, it is about 33 hostages. We are making tremendous efforts to maximize the number of live hostages in that group.”

Reuters reported that a breakthrough was reached in Doha after midnight following negotiations between the heads of the Mossad and Shin Bet, President-elect Trump’s Middle East envoy, and Qatar’s prime minister. The report added that drafts of the deal were delivered to Israel and Hamas.

However, later on Monday, an Israeli official denied in a conversation with Reuters that Israel received a draft of the deal.

Despite the denial, a senior Israeli official acknowledged that a deal could be finalized within a few days if Hamas responds to the offer.

Earlier on Monday morning, the Qatari Al-Quds Al-Arabi outlet reported that the IDF has begun carrying out practical preparations for the deal, including in areas of IDF withdrawal in the first and second stages of the hostage deal. According to the report, the IDF has already dismantled some of its facilities in the Netzarim Corridor.

The report added that the Israeli delegation in Doha presented a plan for Israel’s military presence in Gaza during the ceasefire phase and in subsequent stages, and requested a buffer zone of about one and a half kilometers along the Gaza border that will remain under IDF control.

(YWN Israel Desk – Jerusalem)