Hamas likely to release 33 hostages in phase-1 truce deal
What's the story
The ongoing negotiations in Doha between Israel and Hamas are inching closer to a ceasefire agreement. As part of the first phase of this truce, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages, CNN reported.
Qatar has presented the draft deal to both parties, including Israeli intelligence chiefs and the Qatari prime minister.
A senior Israeli official has confirmed that most of these hostages are believed to be alive.
US optimism
US leadership optimistic about imminent ceasefire agreement
Outgoing United States President Joe Biden has highlighted that Washington was "pressing hard" to seal the deal.
He said it would "free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel, and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians."
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump was hopeful of sealing the deal before his January 20 inauguration.
Talks progress
Final round of talks scheduled in Doha
US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan has also observed a "distinct possibility" for a deal, underscoring increased pressure on Hamas.
He said ongoing discussions with Qatar's prime minister and Israeli officials show progress in negotiations.
A final round of talks is scheduled in Doha on Tuesday to finalize any other matter related to the ceasefire agreement.
Truce specifics
Proposed truce details and conflict background
The proposed truce involves keeping Israeli forces along the Philadelphi Corridor and a buffer zone inside Gaza.
Northern Gaza residents would be permitted to return home with unspecified security measures in place.
Palestinian prisoners responsible for killing Israelis would not be released into the West Bank but to Gaza or abroad.
The conflict started after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, killing around 1,200 and taking 250 hostages.
Aid concerns
Ceasefire deal aims to increase humanitarian aid
The ceasefire deal seeks to boost humanitarian aid into Gaza amid dire crisis warnings from international organizations such as the United Nations.
However, disagreements over the distribution of aid have emerged as a result of looting by criminal gangs in Gaza.
Since the conflict erupted, at least 46,565 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli military actions in Gaza.
The US, Qatar, and Egypt have mediated negotiations for over a year to end this conflict.