Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed on a ceasefire and hostage deal following negotiations with Qatar’s Prime Minister. A Hamas official mentioned the approval of a draft plan that includes exchanging hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The plan consists of three phases aimed at resolving the hostages’ situation and initiating Gaza’s reconstruction after extensive violence and humanitarian crises.
Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached an agreement on a ceasefire and a hostage deal, facilitated by discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister, as per sources informed by the BBC. While there has been no official confirmation from either Israeli or Hamas officials, a Hamas representative stated that they had accepted a draft proposed by mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
US President-elect Donald Trump, whose envoy participated in the discussions, announced via social media that a deal concerning the hostages in the Middle East had been made. Although the specifics of the three-phase plan remain undisclosed, early reports suggest that 33 hostages held by Hamas are set to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody within the first six weeks of the ceasefire.
Negotiations for the subsequent phase, which aims to secure the release of remaining hostages, a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, and a restoration of calm, are anticipated to commence after two weeks. The final stage will involve Gaza’s reconstruction, a process projected to take several years, along with the return of any remaining deceased hostages.
The Israeli military commenced an offensive against Hamas following an attack by the group on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and 251 hostages taken. Since then, it is approximated that over 46,700 individuals have died in Gaza, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry, with the majority of the 2.3 million residents displaced amid substantial destruction and acute shortages of critical supplies due to impediments in receiving aid.
According to Israeli authorities, 94 hostages remain in Hamas’s custody, with 34 believed to be dead. Additionally, four Israelis were abducted prior to the outbreak of hostilities, with two confirmed deceased. This report is being continuously updated, and further details will be made available shortly.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has escalated following a significant attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel initiated a military operation aimed at dismantling Hamas. The conflict has primarily affected Gaza, where thousands have died, and widespread destruction has resulted in a humanitarian crisis. Efforts for ceasefire talks have been brokered by several international parties, reflecting the urgency for a resolution amidst ongoing hostilities and the plight of hostages.
In summary, Israel and Hamas have tentatively agreed to a ceasefire and hostage exchange plan, facilitated by international mediation. While specifics remain scarce, the agreement signals a potential path toward restoring calm and addressing humanitarian needs in Gaza. As the situation evolves, continued updates will provide clearer insights into the implications for both the hostages and the broader conflict.
Original Source: www.bbc.com
