Hamas has agreed to a proposed ceasefire draft and the release of dozens of hostages as negotiations with Israel progress, according to officials involved in the talks. Mediators from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar have described the parties as closer than ever to finalizing a deal that could pause 15 months of war. The Associated Press confirmed the draft’s authenticity through officials familiar with the discussions.
The proposed three-phase agreement, based on a framework endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, aims to begin with the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and injured civilians. In exchange, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including militants. During the 42-day first phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from Gaza’s population centers, allowing displaced Palestinians to return. Approximately 600 trucks of humanitarian aid would enter Gaza daily.
Negotiators are still finalizing the details of the second and third phases, which could include the release of remaining hostages and a full Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza. A long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision is expected to follow. Israel would maintain some military presence, including in the Philadelphi corridor bordering Egypt, during the initial phase.
The deal would offer temporary relief to Gaza, where over 46,000 Palestinians, including many women and children, have died since the war began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military estimating that a third are deceased.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet will need to approve the agreement. Despite prior failed negotiations, officials believe a deal could be finalized before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration. Public opinion in Israel remains divided, with protests both supporting and opposing the ceasefire.
Mediators continue working toward a resolution that could bring an end to one of the region’s most devastating conflicts.