Hamas approves draft agreement for Gaza ceasefire, hostage release
What's the story
Hamas has reportedly approved 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.
Officials confirmed that United States and Qatar mediators believe both Israel and Hamas are on the verge of finalizing this agreement, AP reported.
The US, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating efforts to end the war and secure the release of hostages captured during Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023.
Diplomatic progress
US Secretary of State expresses optimism over ceasefire
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism about the potential ceasefire, saying, "I believe we will get a ceasefire."
However, he stressed that it is ultimately up to Hamas to finalize the deal.
The draft agreement details a three-phase plan over 84 days.
In the first phase, Hamas would free 33 hostages in return for Israel releasing Palestinian prisoners. Fighting would stop, and Israeli forces would pull back to Gaza's edges.
Ceasefire details
Draft agreement outlines 3-phase plan over 84 days
The second phase includes declaring "sustainable calm," releasing more hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and full Israeli troop withdrawal.
The last phase involves exchanging bodies of dead hostages for bodies of Palestinian fighters, a reconstruction plan in Gaza, and the reopening of border crossings for movement in and out of Gaza.
Humanitarian impact
Ceasefire deal aims to bring relief to Gaza's population
The potential ceasefire deal would halt the fighting and provide relief to Gaza's population, which has been heavily displaced and destroyed.
However, before it can be implemented, the plan needs approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet.
According to AP, officials had previously voiced hope, only for negotiations to halt as the opposing parties blamed each other.
However, they now say they can finalize an agreement before US President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration on January 20.