Israel And Hamas Reportedly Reach Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

The Israeli government and Hamas have reportedly reached an agreement for hostages to be released from Gaza and a ceasefire in the enclave, Axios reported on Wednesday. Other outlets, including the Times of Israel, confirmed the reporting. The formal announcement is expected within hours.

The final wording of the agreement has not been made public but drafts contemplate a two-phase deal, with the first one being a six-week-long ceasefire that allows for the negotiation toward a permanent one. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani is set to hold a press conference this evening.

During that period 33 hostages are expected to be released, including women, children, men over the age of 50 and men under that age who are wounded and sick. It is not clear how many of those 33 hostages are alive. They would be released gradually throughout the 42-day period in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. There are about 98 hostages still being held in Gaza, with half of them believed to still be alive, including three Americans.

Israeli forces are expected to gradually withdraw to a buffer zone in Gaza near the border. Forces would also leave the Netzarim corridor, which crosses through central Gaza and the Philadelphi corridor, in the border with Egypt. It won't completely withdraw until all hostages are return, an Israeli official told the outlet. More aid is expected to enter Gaza during the ceasefire. The plan still needs to be approved by the Israeli cabinet to put an end to over 15 months of war.

There were last-minute disagreements between the sides as Israel accused Hamas of trying to change a security arrangement. The dispute was resolved shortly after the Qatari prime minister met separately with Hamas and Israeli delegations.