Israel, Hamas Agree To Cease-Fire Deal With Hostage Exchange: What You Need To Know

Hamas has verbally accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the release of dozens of hostages, according to various sources including the Associated Press, which obtained copy of the proposed agreement that it said was confirmed by Egyptian and Hamas officials to be authentic.

“We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!” said President-elect Donald Trump on his Truth Social network.

Nevertheless, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s cabinet still needs to ratify the deal. A vote is expected by Thursday. The agreement outlines an initial six-week ceasefire, during which Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children and the elderly, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.

This phase also includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to the northern regions of the enclave. According to the officials, reported Reuters, there has been last-minute wrangling over the Egypt-Gaza border, which is now controlled by Israeli forces.

Despite the progress in negotiations, Israeli military operations have continued, resulting in additional Palestinian casualties. The urgency to finalize the ceasefire was heightened by the impending inauguration of Trump on Jan. 20, who said there would be hell to pay if Israeli hostages were not released before he takes office.

The proposed ceasefire is structured in three phases:

1. First Phase: A six-week ceasefire during which Hamas would release 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces would begin a gradual withdrawal from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, though they have mostly been destroyed.
2. Second Phase: Negotiations for the release of remaining hostages and a more comprehensive Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
3. Third Phase: The return of the bodies of remaining hostages in exchange for a reconstruction plan for Gaza.

The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with hopes that the ceasefire will alleviate regional tensions and pave the way for the reconstruction of Gaza, where up to 50,000 people — mostly civilians and children — have reportedly been killed by Israeli bombardment, according Palestinian, international and some Israeli agencies.

The deal’s success hinges on the resolution of outstanding issues, including the specifics of Israeli troop withdrawals and the mechanisms for prisoner exchanges.

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