Hamas agrees to draft agreement on ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza Strip - media
Hamas has accepted a draft agreement that provides for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, the release of 33 hostages in the first phase, and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops.
This is reported by The Times of Israel, Censor.NET informs.
According to the publication, progress has been made in the negotiations, but some details of the agreement are still being finalized. Sources in the Associated Press confirmed the authenticity of the document.
The main provisions of the agreement:
- The first stage (42 days):
- Release of 33 hostages.
- IDF withdrawal from Gaza Strip settlements.
- Significant increase in humanitarian aid for the local population.
- The second stage:
- Negotiations for the release of all men from captivity.
- Complete withdrawal of the Israeli military from the region.
- The third stage:
- Return of the bodies of the dead hostages.
- A plan to restore the infrastructure of the Gaza Strip.
- Creation of a new system of governance in the region.
Israel's war with Hamas
The Israeli military operation in 2023 was a response to the Hamas attack in October, which caused significant casualties and abductions of civilians.
Despite months of intense negotiations, the breakthrough was made possible by the diplomatic efforts of Egypt, the United States, and other international mediators. In particular, U.S. President Joe Biden actively urged the parties to find a solution, while Donald Trump warned of the risk of escalation.
In August, the NYT reported that US officials say the Israeli army has achieved everything it wanted in Gaza except for the release of hostages.
On Saturday, January 11, US President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, arrived in Israel to seek a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of all hostages held by Hamas.
