CAIRO — Hamas has tentatively agreed to a ceasefire draft aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, as well as the release of numerous hostages, according to reports from officials involved in the negotiations. Mediators from the United States and Qatar stated that both Israel and Hamas are nearing an agreement that could potentially conclude 15 months of hostilities.
A copy of the proposed plan has been verified by an Egyptian official and a representative from Hamas, while an Israeli official indicated that they are finalizing the specific details of the arrangement. These officials opted to remain anonymous to discuss the sensitive nature of the negotiations. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed cautious optimism, stating during a speech that the ceasefire is imminent and in the hands of Hamas. He noted that an announcement could come at any moment, potentially within hours or days.
Over the past year, the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar have worked tirelessly to mediate a resolution to the conflict and secure the release of the hostages taken during Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023. Currently, nearly 100 individuals remain captives in Gaza, with military assessments suggesting that at least a third may have lost their lives. A ceasefire agreement would aim to halt the violence and offer a glimmer of hope for bringing an end to what has escalated into a catastrophic conflict with far-reaching ramifications across the Middle East and sparking global protests.
The agreement would also provide essential relief to the people of Gaza, who are facing dire humanitarian conditions due to Israel’s military actions, which have devastated large portions of the region and displaced approximately 90% of its 2.3 million inhabitants, many of whom now face famine.
Should a deal materialize, it would first require approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and subsequently from his full Cabinet, both of which are heavily influenced by Netanyahu’s supporters who are likely to endorse any proposal he forwards. Despite prior optimism that faltered as negotiations stalled with mutual blame between the conflicting parties, current sentiments suggest that an agreement may be reached before the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who has become actively involved in the discussions.
Hamas has conveyed that discussions are in the “final stage,” indicating significant progress. Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, over 1,200 individuals, predominantly civilians, were killed, and around 250 were taken hostage. A brief ceasefire in November allowed for the release of about half of those individuals, with remaining hostages including two children, 13 women, and 83 men.
In response to the conflict, over 46,000 Palestinians have reportedly lost their lives, as per Gaza’s Health Ministry, which has not specified how many casualties were combatants. Recent Israeli military strikes continued to claim lives, with at least 11 Palestinians reported dead from a late Tuesday airstrike, while earlier bombardments had already resulted in 18 fatalities, among them women and children, including a pregnant woman and her unborn child.
The proposed three-phase agreement, originating from a framework suggested by U.S. President Joe Biden and supported by the United Nations Security Council, would begin with the release of 33 hostages within a six-week timeframe. This exchange would involve the release of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. Notably, five female Israeli soldiers would be freed in return for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 convicted militants.
Throughout this initial phase, Israeli forces would withdraw from populated areas, while humanitarian aid would ramp up, allowing for around 600 trucks to enter Gaza daily. Negotiations regarding the second phase are yet to be finalized, with current discussions lacking written assurances that the ceasefire will endure until a comprehensive agreement is established. An Israeli official clarified that detailed negotiations pertaining to the second phase will commence during the initial phase, emphasizing that Israel would maintain military readiness until all hostages are safely returned.
Hamas is expected to relinquish any remaining captives, predominantly soldiers, in exchange for additional prisoners and a full withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza during the second phase of the agreement. However, Hamas has stated that it will not agree to release the remaining hostages without concluding the ongoing conflict and a total withdrawal of Israeli troops, whereas Netanyahu has vowed to persist with military operations until Hamas’ war capabilities are thoroughly dismantled.
In the third phase, the remains of any remaining hostages would be returned, while Israel would oversee a reconstruction plan for Gaza lasting between three to five years, subject to international oversight. Blinken is advocating for a proposal on Gaza’s recovery and governance post-conflict, which would outline management structures avoiding Hamas leadership.
As pressure mounts ahead of Trump’s inauguration, both Israel and Hamas face urgency to halt their hostilities. Trump remarked on Monday that a ceasefire was “very close,” and thousands of Israelis demonstrated in Tel Aviv advocating for a resolution that upholds humanitarian values. Conversely, protests in Jerusalem echoed hardline sentiments against any agreement with Hamas, with some labeling the group as “the devil.”
In the occupied West Bank, families of Palestinian prisoners also gathered in solidarity, expressing hope for relief, while in Gaza, a displaced individual shared cautious optimism for a ceasefire. Amidst ongoing conflict, the plight of children continues to resonate, with families holding onto hope for stability and safety in their lives.
This developing situation remains fluid as negotiations continue, with lives hanging in the balance as families yearn for peace and normality amid the turmoil.
