by Our Correspondent in Doha
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steven Witkoff, has reportedly forced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to accept a Gaza plan that he had previously rejected. The deal, which includes the controversial withdrawal of Israeli forces from parts of Gaza, was pushed forward under the direct influence of Witkoff, who bypassed traditional diplomatic protocols to seal the deal with Hamas.
Witkoff, a real estate developer with no formal diplomatic background, arrived in Israel last weekend and made it clear that the Sabbath was not an obstacle in advancing this high-stakes negotiation. Israeli officials were caught off guard by his blunt approach. Witkoff’s involvement comes at a time when Netanyahu’s government is grappling with intense pressure on both the international and domestic fronts.
The proposed deal, which was once seen as a non-starter, now includes a hostage release, new regional arrangements, and a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. This sudden shift has caused a ripple effect within Israel’s political landscape. Netanyahu, facing criticism from his right-wing coalition members like Itamar Ben-Gvir, is under pressure to either approve the deal or risk a breakdown of his government.
As part of the deal, Hamas has submitted a list of three female hostages to be released on Sunday, marking a significant step in the hostage negotiations. In response, Israel’s Justice Ministry has released a list of 735 Palestinian prisoners to be freed as part of the deal. This development has further fueled the debate within Israel’s political circles, with the far-right Otzma Yehudit party resigning over the agreement with Hamas. The party’s departure from the coalition adds a new layer of complexity to Netanyahu’s decision-making process.
Meanwhile, a cease-fire has been brokered to allow residents of northern Gaza to return to their homes, although the passage through the Netzarim route remains perilous. To aid in the recovery efforts, up to 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily to provide humanitarian relief. This is seen as a critical move in alleviating the dire conditions in the war-torn region.
The first phase of the hostage return has begun, with Red Cross vehicles seen transporting Israeli hostages from Gaza, as crowds gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Square to await their loved ones’ return. The scene at Hostage Square was a mix of emotions, with applause breaking out as the first hostages were confirmed to be on their way back to Israel.
President-elect Donald Trump has reacted publicly to the unfolding developments, celebrating the release of hostages. On his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote: “Hostages starting to come out today! Three wonderful young women will be first,” signaling a moment of triumph for the U.S.-brokered ceasefire and hostage release.
Despite these advances, Netanyahu’s position remains precarious. While his government faces growing pressure from the right, the wider implications of this deal—especially the full withdrawal from Gaza and the prisoner exchange—could trigger political upheaval in Israel. As Netanyahu deliberates the political costs, the fate of his government and this historic deal will depend on how he navigates the internal pressures of his coalition and the demands from the international community.
