Hamas is set to release 33 hostages as part of the initial phase of a ceasefire agreement being finalised in Doha, according to two Israeli officials.
This development marks a significant step toward halting 15 months of intense fighting between Israel and Hamas, which has destabilised the Middle East and inflicted severe destruction on Gaza.
The ceasefire, if implemented, would allow increased humanitarian aid into Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages taken by Hamas during its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
According to Israeli authorities, Hamas and its allies still hold 94 of the 251 hostages, with at least 34 confirmed dead.
Israel believes most of the 33 individuals slated for release in the first phase are alive, though it is expected that the remains of deceased captives may also be returned.
This phase would unfold over a 42-day ceasefire period. A senior Israeli official expressed confidence in the imminent agreement, stating, “Israel is prepared to immediately implement the deal once it has been inked.”
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United States President Joe Biden shared a similar sentiment, asserting that his administration was “pressing hard to close this.” Speaking on Monday, Biden emphasised the agreement’s dual aim of freeing hostages and providing aid to Palestinian civilians. “The deal we have structured would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started. They have been through hell,” he said.
President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in, suggesting the deal was nearing completion. “There’s been a handshake and they’re getting it finished,” he told Newsmax. Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, confirmed collaboration with Biden’s team to expedite the ceasefire agreement before Trump’s inauguration.
Negotiations in Doha are set to continue, with a final round of talks expected on Tuesday. Families of hostages have been invited to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the same day.
Palestinian official Qadura Fares revealed his involvement in advising negotiators on detainee lists should the deal proceed.
This first phase is designed to initiate further discussions aimed at ending the war. Talks for the second phase are planned to commence 16 days after the ceasefire’s implementation.
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