Gaza, June 25 (Alliance News): Bishara Bahba, a Palestinian-American political activist and unofficial mediator for US President Donald Trump, has claimed that a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas could be finalized within days.
Bahba, who has been involved in ongoing negotiations alongside Egypt and Qatar, shared these insights during an interview with Egypt’s Al-Ghad television channel.
According to the Times of Israel, Bahba has quietly played a significant behind-the-scenes role in the ceasefire talks, working as an unofficial envoy for Washington.
His statement comes as momentum builds following the recently brokered ceasefire between Iran and Israel, which has shifted regional diplomatic focus back to the prolonged conflict in Gaza.
“The Gaza file is back on the table as the top priority,” Bahba said, highlighting that the renewed attention is driving serious progress in the talks.
He explained that the most pressing hurdle to reaching a comprehensive agreement lies in the disagreement over the transition from a temporary to a permanent ceasefire.
Hamas insists that any short-term pause must automatically evolve into a long-term ceasefire, a condition that Israel has so far resisted.
Bahba revealed that discussions had been held with senior Hamas leadership, including Ghazi Hamad, to narrow the gaps and find common ground.
“There is a real opportunity now. The parties are closer than ever,” he stated, adding that regional stakeholders are actively engaged in bringing both sides to a final agreement.
Humanitarian concerns are also central to the negotiations. Bahba noted that the dire conditions in Gaza are worsening, with only 60 aid trucks entering the territory daily—far below what the United Nations considers sufficient.
“The delivery of humanitarian aid must be accelerated. It’s not just a political obligation but a moral one,” he emphasized.
The prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza would mark a significant breakthrough in the broader Middle East peace landscape.
Following the de-escalation between Israel and Iran, facilitated by US President Donald Trump and regional actors like Qatar and Egypt, international focus has returned to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for a durable peace.
While Bahba’s role remains unofficial, his access to both US decision-makers and regional power players has made him a key interlocutor in a conflict that has long resisted resolution.
His optimism about the possibility of a breakthrough within days has raised hopes across diplomatic circles, though previous negotiations between Israel and Hamas have often faltered at the final stage.
As of now, no official timeline or framework has been released by either party. However, diplomatic sources suggest that a phased ceasefire proposal, coupled with the release of hostages held by Hamas and increased humanitarian access, is being seriously considered.
