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Hamas and Israel Near Finalisation of Ceasefire Agreement Involving Hostage Release

Hamas has tentatively agreed to a ceasefire draft for the Gaza Strip, involving the release of numerous hostages, amid progressing negotiations in Qatar. While Israeli officials confirm advancements, they note that some details remain under negotiation. The planned agreement, pending Israeli Cabinet approval, proposes a phased release of hostages alongside increased humanitarian aid.

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Hamas has agreed in principle to a draft ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, which would include the release of multiple hostages, according to a report by the Associated Press on Tuesday, citing two officials involved in the ongoing negotiations.

An Israeli official also confirmed progress has been made, although detailed aspects are still under discussion and finalization.

On Tuesday, Hamas indicated advancements in Qatar-hosted negotiations with Israel, suggesting the talks are approaching conclusion but are not yet entirely resolved.

Qatar’s foreign ministry announced on Tuesday that negotiations for a truce in Gaza and the release of hostages are in their final stages, with major hurdles mostly cleared. Spokesman Majed al-Ansari expressed optimism about reaching an agreement soon but advised caution until an official declaration is made.

Negotiations in Doha remain confidential as details are being finalized.

The plan, reviewed by the AP and verified by Egyptian and Hamas officials, still needs approval from Israel’s Cabinet.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who strongly opposes the deal, met with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon, as reported by Kan News. The meeting focused on whether to present Netanyahu with an ultimatum concerning potential resignation from the government. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has threatened to exit the coalition if the deal moves forward and is seeking Smotrich’s support to jointly warn the prime minister.

The proposed agreement consists of three phases, beginning with the release of 33 hostages—comprised of women, children, elderly, and injured civilians—over a 42-day period. This would potentially involve the release of hundreds of Palestinian women and children detained by Israel.

The 33 hostages include five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom would be exchanged for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 serving life sentences for security offenses.

During the first phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas, displaced Palestinians would begin returning to their homes in northern Gaza, and humanitarian aid is expected to increase significantly, with about 600 trucks entering the area daily.

Egyptian sources have noted preparations to open the Rafah crossing to aid the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as reported by Channel 12.

Humanitarian aid and fuel are anticipated to reach Gaza from the ceasefire's onset, with the transfer of the sick and wounded commencing a week later, according to the report.

Concurrently, the Israeli security establishment is making preparations to dismantle positions and possibly withdraw from the Netzarim Corridor, which divides the Strip between north and south, as part of the ongoing negotiations for a hostage release deal with Hamas, Channel 14 reported.

This story is developing.

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