In a recent government meeting, officials discussed ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. The current administration, led by President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken, is working diligently to finalize a deal. They emphasized that this issue remains a top priority.

The conversation also touched on the role of Qatar as a mediator in the conflict. Officials noted that Qatar has been an essential partner in these negotiations. There were mentions of Hamas officials potentially returning to Qatar, but no further details were provided.

Questions arose about the transition to the incoming Trump administration. Officials clarified that while there have been discussions between the current administration and the transition team, certain agreements, such as a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the State Department, have not yet been signed. This raised concerns about the possibility of mixed messages affecting the peace process.

Despite these uncertainties, officials assured that they are prepared to facilitate a smooth transition. They confirmed that the Trump transition team has signed an MOU with the Department of Justice, which allows for background checks, but reiterated that the State Department's MOU remains unsigned.

As the January 20th inauguration approaches, officials expressed their commitment to maintaining clear communication and cooperation with the incoming administration to ensure continuity in foreign policy efforts.