Israel, Hamas Edge Closer to Ceasefire Deal as Qatar-Led Gaza Reconstruction Takes Shape

by Emmitt Barry, with reporting from Worthy News Jerusalem Bureau Staff

(Worthy News) – Israel has agreed in principle to allow Qatar and other countries to begin funding the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under the terms of a proposed ceasefire, according to a report by Ynet and confirmed by regional sources familiar with the ongoing negotiations in Doha.

The development marks a critical milestone in the drawn-out talks for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, with Israeli and Hamas officials cautiously optimistic that a deal could be finalized within one to two weeks. According to sources, a 60-day ceasefire is being negotiated during which Hamas would release hostages, and initial rebuilding of civilian infrastructure would begin.

A key breakthrough emerged when Israel signaled readiness to permit the flow of international reconstruction funds, on the condition that Qatar would not be the sole financier. Israeli officials are pushing for a multilateral funding framework that includes contributions from several Arab and Western nations.

“For Hamas, the reconstruction effort is not just material—it’s symbolic,” said a senior Israeli official, speaking anonymously. “They view it as a guarantee of Israeli seriousness in ending hostilities.” The same official warned, however, that if Hamas fails to disarm during the proposed ceasefire, “we’ll advance military operations.”

The funding component has become a core issue in talks, raised directly during meetings in Washington between a Qatari delegation and U.S. officials, coinciding with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C.

However, key regional powers—including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates—have reportedly withheld reconstruction pledges pending a clear Israeli commitment to ending the war.

Another sticking point in the negotiations is the Morag Corridor—a strategic strip between Khan Younis and Rafah in southern Gaza. While Israel has proposed a limited military presence in the corridor, Hamas remains resistant. The corridor, now under IDF control, is central to Israeli plans to build a so-called “humanitarian city” designed to separate civilians from Hamas infrastructure and house displaced residents in portable shelters.

Israel insists on retaining oversight of this area post-ceasefire, particularly as thousands of Palestinians are expected to return to Rafah amid the widespread destruction of its infrastructure. Temporary refugee facilities are already being planned in anticipation.

President Donald Trump, following a second meeting with Netanyahu during the prime minister’s visit, told reporters at the White House on Tuesday that there is a “very good chance” a ceasefire deal could be reached within a week or two. “We want to have peace. We want to get the hostages back. And I think we’re close to doing it,” Trump said.

On the other side, Hamas spokesperson Taher al-Nunu told Al Jazeera that the group has shown flexibility in Doha and agreed to release 10 Israeli hostages to facilitate humanitarian aid. But al-Nunu reiterated Hamas’s bottom line: a full Israeli withdrawal and international guarantees that the war will truly end. “The U.S. has the power to push Israel politically if it wants peace,” he said.

Despite ongoing complexities, the inclusion of reconstruction funding—particularly involving nations beyond Qatar—signals that both parties may be inching toward a broader resolution. While no agreement has yet been finalized, mediators say the next two weeks could prove decisive.

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