A long-awaited cease-fire and hostage deal appears to be near between Israel and Hamas, according to a statement released by Hamas on Monday. The deal was discussed during a phone call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.
The deal is said to be carried out in three stages. The first stage would involve the release of 34 “humanitarian” hostages, followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas and an increase in humanitarian aid. The second stage would begin 16 days later and would involve the return of some young men and soldiers, as well as the remainder of Israeli forces withdrawing from the Gaza Strip. The third stage would focus on establishing an alternative government in the Gaza Strip and the rehabilitation of the region.
Negotiators have given Hamas until midnight to respond to a final draft of the deal. The deal has been in the works for over a year, with the Biden administration, Egypt, and Qatar attempting to secure a release for the hostages and end the war between Israel and Hamas.
The deal is seen as a key step in reducing tensions in the region, with President Biden stressing the need for an immediate cease-fire and the return of the hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, has said he is committed to a “total victory” over Hamas and will not call for an end to the war until one is declared.
The deal would mark a significant shift in the conflict, which has seen Hamas hold 96 hostages, including 50 alive, including three Americans. It is unclear when the deceased hostages would be returned to their families.