Reports from international humanitarian organizations or news agencies

Hamas Accepts Three-Phase Plan for Gaza Ceasefire and Release of 33 Hostages, Awaiting Israeli Cabinet Approval

Jan 14, 2025, 01:57 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 negotiations, mediated by Qatar, are at the "closest point" yet to sealing a deal. The agreement, which still requires final approval from the Israeli Cabinet, is a three-phase plan proposed by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. The first phase includes the release of 33 hostages over six weeks, including women, children, older adults, and wounded civilians, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. Among the 33 hostages are five female Israeli soldiers, each to be released in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted militants serving life sentences. During this 42-day phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from population centers, Palestinians could start returning to their homes in northern Gaza, and there would be an increase in humanitarian aid with some 600 trucks entering daily. The deal allows Israel to remain in control of the Philadelphi Corridor along Gaza's border with Egypt, but Israel would withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza. The second phase involves the release of remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while the third phase focuses on the return of hostages' bodies and a reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision.