The terms of a potential ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas are nearing completion, according to a Palestinian official involved in the discussions. The anticipated deal could also facilitate the release of hostages in Gaza.
White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan indicated that both a truce and hostage arrangement could be finalized this week. An Israeli official confirmed that negotiations have reached “advanced stages,” suggesting an agreement may be reached in “hours, days, or more.”
U.S. President Joe Biden has engaged in discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, who is mediating the negotiations. Sullivan noted that Biden is also expected to communicate with Egypt’s President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi.
Amid these developments, Netanyahu faces significant resistance from his governing coalition regarding the proposed deal. A letter opposing a truce was signed by ten right-wing lawmakers, including members of Netanyahu’s Likud party.
Indirect talks between Hamas and Israeli officials took place on Monday in the same location. A Palestinian official revealed that progress in technical discussions has taken considerable time. Preliminary details of the agreement indicate that Hamas is set to release three hostages on the first day, after which Israel would begin troop withdrawals from populated areas.
On the seventh day post-agreement, Hamas would free four additional hostages, while Israel would allow displaced individuals from the south to return north, albeit on foot along the coastal road. Vehicles would traverse a monitored passage adjacent to Salah al-Din Road, with security checks conducted by a Qatari-Egyptian team.
The initial phase of the agreement, lasting 42 days, includes provisions for Israeli forces to remain in the Philadelphi corridor and maintain an 800-meter buffer zone along eastern and northern borders. Additionally, Israel has agreed to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 34 hostages held by Hamas.
Negotiations for subsequent phases of the agreement are expected to commence on the 16th day of the ceasefire.
In the meantime, Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza City resulted in over 50 fatalities. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal stated that residential areas and public gatherings were targeted. The Israeli military is currently investigating these reports, noting that five soldiers were killed in northern Gaza on the same day.
The ongoing conflict escalated following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals into Gaza. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas. Gaza’s health ministry reports over 46,500 fatalities since the onset of the war. Israel maintains that 94 hostages are still held in Gaza, with 34 presumed dead, along with four other Israelis abducted prior to the conflict, two of whom are also confirmed dead.
