Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, multiple officials said.
Any deal is expected to pause the fighting and bring hopes for winding down the most deadly and destructive war Israel and Hamas have ever fought, a conflict that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked worldwide protests.
However, the plan still needs approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet. Both are dominated by Netanyahu allies and are likely to approve any proposal he presents.
Nearly 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and Israel’s military believes at least a third are dead. The three-phased agreement would begin with the release of 33 women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. Soldiers and other male captives would be released in the second phase.
The agreement would bring relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israel’s offensive has reduced large areas to rubble and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine.
Meanwhile, in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, large crowds of cheering people have taken to the streets. Car horns are honking.
Deal comes after last-minute snag in negotiations
Israel announced late Wednesday that Hamas had tried to change agreed-upon understandings for security arrangements along Gaza’s border with Egypt. It strongly rejected the proposals.
Qatar’s prime minister, who has been mediating the talks, met separately with Hamas and Israeli delegations, and shortly afterwards, the dispute was resolved, the Qatari official said, speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes negotiations.
The Hamas official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the matter was resolved.
Trump celebrates deal on social media
President-elect Donald Trump, whose incoming Mideast envoy had joined Biden’s Mideast adviser Brett McGurk for the talks in Doha, celebrated the soon-to-be-announced agreement in a posting on his Truth Social social media platform.
“We have a deal for the hostages in the middle east. They will be released shortly. Thank you!” Trump wrote. (AP)
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