Negotiators from Israel and Hamas are set to meet in Doha on Tuesday to finalize details of a potential ceasefire agreement, marking a significant step towards ending the devastating war in Gaza. The deal, championed by U.S. President Joe Biden, is reportedly on the brink of completion and aims to secure a truce, release hostages, and facilitate humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.

President Biden, highlighting his administration's foreign policy achievements, expressed optimism about the negotiations. “The deal would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to Palestinians who have suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started,” Biden said during a speech on Monday.

The agreement, mediated by Qatar, includes the release of 33 hostages, with further negotiations planned to secure the release of the remaining 98 hostages held by Hamas, according to Israeli authorities. The first phase would prioritize children, women, and elderly or injured individuals, while subsequent discussions would focus on military-aged men and soldiers.

Under the proposed terms, Israel would begin a phased withdrawal of its troops, retaining a defensive presence near its borders while unarmed residents of northern Gaza return under strict monitoring. Security arrangements are also planned for the Philadelphi corridor along Gaza’s southern border.

Palestinian detainees, including those convicted of severe crimes, are expected to be released in exchange for hostages, though fighters involved in the October 2023 attack on Israel will not be included.

The potential ceasefire agreement follows over a year of intermittent negotiations and comes against the backdrop of immense humanitarian suffering. Since the outbreak of the conflict in October 2023, over 46,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with widespread displacement and destruction reported.

Donald Trump’s imminent inauguration as U.S. President on January 20 is seen as a de facto deadline for the deal. Trump has vowed severe repercussions if hostages remain in captivity upon his assumption of office, underscoring the urgency of securing an agreement.

Efforts have intensified in recent weeks, with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken working closely alongside Qatari mediators. President-elect Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has also played a pivotal role in ensuring bipartisan support for the proposed deal.

“This is the most progress we’ve seen in months,” Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said, acknowledging American efforts in advancing the negotiations.

As both sides approach what Biden described as being "on the cusp" of agreement, the international community waits with cautious optimism for a resolution to one of the most protracted and devastating conflicts in recent history.