Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft cease-fire deal with Israel that would include the release of dozens of hostages, according to officials involved in the talks. The potential agreement is the first sign in months that the war between Israel and Hamas, which has gone on for over a year, could be nearing its end.
The possible agreement will reportedly take place in three phases. The first phase would kick off a 42-day cease-fire, during which 33 hostages, including children, women, female soldiers, men over the age of 50, and humanitarian cases, would be released. In exchange, Hamas would receive hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile detainees.
As part of the first phase, Israel would begin to withdraw from parts of northern Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes. However, security experts warn that this could allow Hamas to rebuild itself. Additionally, humanitarian aid would be delivered to the Gaza Strip.
Details of the second phase are expected to be negotiated during the first. However, a draft agreement indicates that during this phase, Hamas will release the remaining living hostages in exchange for a “complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza.
An Israeli government official told FOX News that this is the only time since November 2023 that they are really negotiating with Hamas, and they are not playing a game in negotiations. The official cited multiple events, such as the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and domestic pressure against the terror group, as crucial turning points in creating the right “conditions” for a deal.
Qatari and Israeli officials who spoke with FOX News expressed optimism about the potential deal that could bring about an end to the war. Thousands have been killed in the 15-month war, which started after Hamas’ brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 250 were taken hostage.
