US Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared that the "ball is in Hamas’s court" to finalise a ceasefire agreement for Gaza. Speaking from Washington on 14 January, Blinken indicated that the deal is ready for implementation if Hamas consents, following mediation by Qatar, the US, and Egypt. The statement comes amidst a 15-month war between Israel and Hamas, which has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths.

Qatar, acting as a primary mediator, confirmed that discussions have reached a "final stage" and that major obstacles have been resolved. While expressing optimism, Blinken emphasised that without Hamas's acceptance, the process cannot advance. The proposed ceasefire is seen as a critical step toward addressing the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 46,000 civilians have been killed since October 2023, according to UN-verified data.

The proposed agreement includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel. This marks the most significant breakthrough in negotiations since a one-week truce in November 2023. Blinken also outlined Washington’s vision for post-war governance in Gaza, suggesting the Palestinian Authority, supported by foreign partners and the UN, should manage civil administration in the region temporarily.

In tandem with the ceasefire, the US is urging Israel to commit to steps toward Palestinian statehood. This would involve the reunification of Gaza and the West Bank under a reformed Palestinian Authority and adherence to a timeline for state formation. Blinken highlighted the importance of regional normalisation efforts, such as between Israel and Saudi Arabia, as a motivator for achieving lasting peace.

As negotiations intensify, the window for agreement narrows with political shifts in the US. The ceasefire framework closely mirrors a plan proposed by President Biden in May 2024, aiming for a balanced resolution. While the road ahead is uncertain, the deal, if realised, could reshape the trajectory of the Israel-Palestine conflict and bring much-needed relief to the region.