Reports from international mediators or credible news agencies

Hamas Accepts Three-Phase Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Release Agreement, Awaiting Israeli Cabinet Approval

Jan 14, 2025, 12:38 PM

Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, according to two officials involved in the talks. The agreement, which has been confirmed by an Egyptian official and a Hamas official, is at the 'closest point' to being finalized, as stated by mediator Qatar. An Israeli official noted that progress has been made, but the details are still being worked out, and the plan requires final approval from the Israeli Cabinet. The three-phase agreement, based on a framework laid out by U.S. President Joe Biden and endorsed by the U.N. Security Council, would begin with the gradual release of 33 hostages over a six-week period, including women, children, older adults, and wounded civilians, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. During the first 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes in northern Gaza, and there would be a surge of humanitarian aid with 600 trucks entering daily. The deal would allow Israel to remain in control of the Philadelphi Corridor but pull out from the Netzarim Corridor. In the second phase, Hamas would release the remaining living captives, mainly male soldiers, in exchange for more prisoners and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The third phase involves returning the bodies of remaining hostages in exchange for a three- to five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating to end the 15-month war and secure the release of hostages taken during Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack. Approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least a third believed to be dead. The agreement aims to bring relief to Gaza, where the conflict has displaced around 90% of its 2.3 million population and caused widespread hunger. Israeli strikes continued overnight, killing at least 18 Palestinians, including two women and four children, while Yemen's Houthi rebels fired missiles at Israel. There is growing pressure to finalize the deal before the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has joined the negotiations.