Israel, Hamas finally agree to Gaza ceasefire deal

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5 months ago

BERLIN, GERMANY - NOVEMBER 04: A man waves a Palestinian flag from atop Neptune Fountain during a "Freedom for Palestine" protest at Alexanderplatz on November 04, 2023 in Berlin, Germany. Meanwhile in Gaza Israeli forces have encircled Gaza City as fighting with Hamas fighters continues to rage. (Photo by Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement after negotiations facilitated by Qatar’s prime minister.

However, the Israeli prime minister’s office noted that “several unresolved clauses” remain, though it expressed hope for the deal’s finalisation on Wednesday night.

A Hamas official confirmed the group’s approval of a draft proposal from mediators in Doha to BBC.

US President-elect Donald Trump announced on social media, “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East.”

The agreement reportedly comprises a three-phase plan. In the initial six weeks of the ceasefire, 33 hostages held by Hamas are expected to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody.

Negotiations for the second phase will commence two weeks later, focusing on the release of remaining hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and establishing a “sustainable calm.” The third and final phase will address Gaza’s reconstruction, anticipated to take years and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.

ALSO READ: Hamas to release 33 hostages in first phase of ceasefire deal — Israeli officials

Once Qatar or the US formally announces the deal, it must overcome several procedural hurdles. The Israeli cabinet will vote on the agreement, possibly as early as Thursday, with approval anticipated despite opposition from the far-right national security minister.

Following this, the Israeli government will publish the names of Palestinian prisoners set for release, granting victims’ families a 48-hour period to appeal.

This development follows an intense military campaign by Israel against Hamas, launched in response to the group’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken.

Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 46,700 deaths, widespread displacement, and severe shortages of basic necessities among the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.

Israel maintains that Hamas still holds 94 hostages, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Additionally, four Israelis abducted before the war remain unaccounted for, with two believed to have died.

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