Live

Middle East live updates: Hamas has given green light to ceasefire deal, sources say

Gaza ceasefire mediators hope to secure a deal before Jan. 20.

ByDavid Brennan and Nadine El-Bawab
Last Updated: January 15, 2025, 8:55 AM EST

The Israel Defense Forces continues its intense airstrike and ground campaigns in Gaza, particularly in the north of the strip. A latest round of peace talks to end the 15-month-old war has resumed in Qatar, with high-level delegations traveling to Doha.

Meanwhile, the November ceasefire in Lebanon is holding despite ongoing Israeli airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, which Israeli officials say are responses to ceasefire violations by the Iranian-backed militant group. Israeli forces also remain active inside the Syrian border region as victorious rebels there build a transitional government.

Tensions remain high between Israel and Iran after tit-for-tat long-range strikes in recent months and threats of further military action from both sides. The IDF and the Yemeni Houthis also continue to exchange attacks.

Latest headlines:

Here's how the news is developing.
Jan 14, 2025, 6:17 AM EST

Hamas says Gaza talks are in 'final stages'

Hamas said in a statement Tuesday that ceasefire, prisoner and hostage release talks with Israel are in their "final stages," adding it hopes "that this round of negotiations will end with a clear and comprehensive agreement."

Men walk with bicycles through debris near the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan. 14, 2025.
Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

In a statement posted to the group's website, Hamas said it held meetings and consultations with leaders of other Palestinian factions regarding the progress made in ongoing negotiations in Doha, Qatar.

"During these contacts, the leaders of the forces and factions expressed their satisfaction with the course of the negotiations, stressing the need for general national preparation for the next stage and its requirements," Hamas said.

-ABC News' Nasser Atta

Jan 14, 2025, 6:11 AM EST

Israel hoping for ceasefire announcement 'soon,' official says

An Israeli government official told ABC News on Tuesday morning they "hope we can announce something soon" regarding a potential ceasefire in Gaza.

A boy pulls a cart loaded with salvaged items from the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan. 14, 2025.
Omar Al-qattaa/AFP via Getty Images

The official said there had been "real progress" on every part of the negotiation in the last few days.

The official added that Hamas has changed and they are no longer "dictating" the terms, but are negotiating. "We are close, but not there yet," they said.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Jan 13, 2025, 8:18 PM EST

Sirens sound in central Israel after projectile launched from Yemen: IDF

A projectile was fired from Yemen towards Israel, the IDF said in a release early Tuesday morning local time.

Sirens were sounded in a number of areas in central Israel, the IDF said.

Forces added that "several" attempts were made to intercept the missile, but the IDF did not say that it was.

Jan 13, 2025, 2:16 PM EST

Latest on hostages in ceasefire deal

Thirty-three hostages, living and dead, are expected to be freed in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, according to a person with direct knowledge of the ongoing negotiations.

There are 94 abductees remaining in Gaza, including 34 who have been confirmed dead, according to Israeli officials.

-ABC News' Jordana Miller

Related Topics