Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, according to two officials involved in the negotiations. The United States and Qatar, who have been mediating the talks, stated on Tuesday that Israel and Hamas were closer than ever to finalizing a deal. The proposed agreement represents a significant step toward ending 15 months of war between the two sides.
The Associated Press obtained a copy of the draft agreement, which was confirmed as authentic by an Egyptian official and a Hamas representative. An Israeli official also acknowledged progress in the discussions, though emphasized that certain details are still being finalized. All three spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the talks.
During a speech on Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism, stating, “I believe we will get a ceasefire. It’s right on the brink. It’s closer than it’s ever been before.” He suggested that word of an agreement could come within hours or days, depending on final decisions.
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been working for over a year to mediate an end to the conflict, which began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. That attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 hostages. Although around half of the hostages were freed during a brief ceasefire in November 2023, nearly 100 remain captive, with the Israeli military estimating that at least one-third of them are deceased.
The conflict has been devastating on both sides. Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, including women and children, though the total does not distinguish between civilians and combatants. The war has displaced roughly 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and has destroyed significant portions of the territory’s infrastructure.
The proposed agreement outlines a three-phase process aimed at de-escalating the conflict, securing the release of hostages, and addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The first phase, lasting 42 days, would involve Hamas releasing 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly civilians, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. In addition, Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to begin returning home. Humanitarian aid would also increase, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering Gaza daily.
The second phase would address the release of remaining male hostages, primarily soldiers and civilians, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners and a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. Details of this phase remain under negotiation and would be finalized during the first phase.
The third phase focuses on the exchange of deceased hostages for the remains of Palestinian fighters, along with the implementation of a long-term reconstruction plan for Gaza under international supervision. Border crossings for movement in and out of Gaza would also be reopened.
While progress has been reported, the deal would still require approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and full Cabinet. Officials have cautioned that past negotiations have faltered despite similar optimism, and the current agreement remains subject to final adjustments. Additionally, no guarantees exist that the ceasefire will hold through all phases, raising the possibility of resumed fighting if the negotiations fail.
Protests in support of the deal have taken place in both Israel and the Palestinian territories. Families of hostages in Israel formed a human chain outside the Knesset, while relatives of Palestinian prisoners gathered in the West Bank, expressing hope for their loved ones’ release. In Gaza, displaced residents voiced cautious optimism that the agreement could bring relief after months of intense suffering.
As negotiations continue, mediators are emphasizing the urgency of securing a deal before key political milestones, including the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, whose administration is also involved in the talks. For now, the international community awaits confirmation of what could be a pivotal step toward resolving one of the most destructive conflicts in the region’s history.
