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Israel and Hamas Near Deal for 33 Hostage Release and 42-Day Ceasefire, Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, US

Jan 13, 2025, 04:27 PM

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas have advanced significantly towards a ceasefire and hostage release deal, with officials indicating that an agreement could be reached within days or even hours. The proposed deal, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, includes the release of 33 hostages in the first phase, comprising women, children, and men over 50 or those who are injured or ill. Israel officially knows of 36 dead hostages, aiming to maximize the release of living hostages initially. This initial phase would also see a 42-day ceasefire, during which Israeli forces would gradually withdraw from most of the Gaza Strip to a buffer zone. The agreement aims to eventually secure the release of all remaining 98 hostages, with further negotiations planned for subsequent phases. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those who have murdered Israelis, would be released, though the exact number depends on the status of the hostages. The deal also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to meet with the families of hostages to discuss the deal's details. The negotiations are being closely coordinated with both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration, with President-elect Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff playing a key role.