Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement with Israel, that would include the release of dozens of hostages, according to The Associated Press, citing “officials involved in the talks.” This potential deal is the first sign in months that the war between Israel and Hamas, which has lasted more than a year, could be nearing an end.
The possible match will reportedly take place in three phases, the first of which would mark the start of a 42-day ceasefire. During that time, 33 hostages, including children, women, female soldiers, men over 50 and humanitarian cases, would be released. In return, Hamas would receive hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile prisoners. According to an Israeli government official, “most” of the 33 hostages kidnapped from Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023 are still alive.
In his speech at the hostage-for-prisoner exchange, the Israeli government official noted that there is a “price” for getting the terrorist group to release the prisoners. However, the source promised that Israel “would not leave the Gaza Strip until all our hostages are back home.”
People inspect the rubble at the site of the Israeli bombing of a residential block on Jalaa Street in Gaza City on January 14, 2025, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas.
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As part of the first phase of the deal, Israel would begin withdrawing from parts of northern Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to their homes. However, security experts warn that this could allow Hamas to rebuild itself.
In addition, humanitarian aid would be provided during the first phase of the deal the Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with IDF commanders in Gaza’s Netzarim Corridor to discuss Hamas’ activities on November 19, 2024. (Photo provided by TPS)
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It is expected that the details of the second phase will be negotiated during the first phase. However, a draft agreement cited by the AP indicates that Hamas will release the remaining living hostages during this phase in exchange for a “complete withdrawal” of Israeli forces from Gaza. An Egyptian official reportedly told the AP that deals for phases two and three would be in place before the end of the first phase.
“This is the only time since November 2023 that we are actually negotiating with Hamas, and they are not playing games in the negotiations,” an Israeli government official told FOX News.
The official mentioned several events, such as the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and domestic pressure against the terrorist group, as crucial turning points in creating the right ‘conditions’ for a deal.
Israeli soldiers remove the bodies of civilians killed days earlier in an attack by Palestinian terrorists on this kibbutz near the Gaza border, on October 10, 2023, in Kfar Aza, Israel. (Amir Levy/Getty Images)
Qatari and Israeli officials who spoke to FOX News were optimistic about the potential deal that could bring an end to the war.
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Thousands have been killed in the 15-month war, which began after Hamas’ brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,200 Israelis and more than 250 were taken hostage.
Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
