Israeli and Hamas negotiators never met face to face, yet they were just a floor apart during the final moments of their negotiations in Doha. Ceasefire discussions involving intermediaries from Qatar, Egypt, and the US had been ongoing for months, with moments of despair. The key stakeholders finally gathered in a building in Doha, intensifying the pace of the talks.
Although a deal seemed imminent, there were close calls: negotiations persisted until moments before a press conference when the Qatari prime minister was set to announce the agreement. According to a source familiar with the talks, "Literally, negotiations were up until 10 minutes before the press conference."
The BBC reached out to officials from all sides involved in the discussions to piece together the final tumultuous days of the secretive process. The agreement, formulated on 15 January, was based on a framework reminiscent of President Joe Biden's proposal from last May, marking a shift in dynamics and pace in mid-December.
The negotiations saw a significant change in Hamas's approach, shifting from dictating terms to actively engaging in discussions. A vital turning point was identified when both the Biden and Trump administrations pushed for conditions to evolve, leading to a breakthrough.
On the precipice of a deal, discussions escalated into intense "proximity talks," with Hamas on the first floor of the building and Israeli representatives one floor above, facilitated by meditators shuttling messages between them. Amid the final phases of negotiation, a breakthrough was achieved on the release of hostages and prisoners held by both sides.
The pressure intensified as senior diplomats and envoys convened in Doha for an extended negotiation session, inching closer to a comprehensive agreement. Trump's Middle East envoy played a pivotal role in pressuring Israeli leadership to overcome their final reservations for a deal.
In the hours leading up to the final agreement, meticulous details concerning the implementation of the deal were scrutinized, with a focus on logistical aspects such as the return of displaced individuals in Gaza. Ultimately, on 15 January, a Hamas negotiator messaged the BBC proclaiming, "Everything is finished," signaling the successful conclusion of a once-thought unattainable deal.