Hamas and Israel are reportedly close to a draft cease-fire deal that includes the release of dozens of hostages, as per The Associated Press.
This potential agreement could signal the end of the year-long conflict between the two parties.
The deal is expected to be implemented in three phases, with the first phase initiating a 42-day cease-fire and the release of 33 hostages. In return, Hamas will receive hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
An Israeli official mentioned that most of the abducted hostages are still alive and emphasized that Israel will not leave Gaza until all hostages are returned.
People inspect the debris and rubble at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan. 14, 2025, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas.
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During the first phase of the agreement, Israel will begin withdrawing from parts of northern Gaza, potentially allowing Hamas to rebuild.
Humanitarian aid will also be delivered to the Gaza Strip during the first phase of the deal.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets with IDF commanders in the Netzarim Corridor in Gaza to discuss Hamas activity on Nov. 19, 2024.(Photo provided by TPS)
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Details of the second phase will be determined during the first phase, with expectations of Hamas releasing remaining hostages in exchange for the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
An Israeli government official expressed optimism about the negotiations and attributed key events and pressures on Hamas as factors in reaching a possible deal.
Israeli soldiers remove the bodies of civilians killed in an attack by Palestinian terrorists on Oct. 10, 2023, in Kfar Aza, Israel.(Amir Levy/Getty Images)
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Qatari and Israeli officials are hopeful about the prospective deal that could end the war.
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Over 1,200 Israelis were killed and 250 were taken hostage in the 15-month conflict that began in October 2023.
Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.
