In a breakthrough, Hamas has agreed to a draft ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, which may finally bring an end to the protracted conflict with Israel. The deal includes the release of dozens of hostages taken since the October 7, 2023, incursion, when Hamas militants launched a deadly attack on Israeli territory.
Qatar, one of the key mediators, said both Israel and Hamas are closer than ever to finalizing the deal. The Israeli official said progress has been made in the talks, although details remain sealed and the proposal is still subject to approval from the Israeli Cabinet. All sides have kept it under wraps and spoken anonymously since the negotiations were so sensitive.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed al-Ansari, described the situation as “at the closest point ever” to a resolution but refused to elaborate further. The deal would reportedly allow the gradual release of 33 hostages over six weeks, with preference for women, children, and the elderly.
US, Egyptian, and Qatari officials have been playing a pivotal role in the negotiations, which have been ongoing for 15 months. The talks are now said to be entering their final stage, according to a statement released by Hamas, after previous failures attributed to both sides. The group has placed blame on Israel for delays, pointing to Israeli rejection or military actions following proposed agreements.
Former US President Donald Trump expressed optimism over the ceasefire, saying it could be finalized by the end of the week. The mediators have also assured Hamas that efforts will continue to secure the implementation of subsequent phases of the agreement.
The international community watches closely as the conflict edges toward a resolution, potentially bringing relief to a region long plagued by violence.
