Israel-Hamas ceasefire, release of hostages agreement reached
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, Fox News has confirmed.
Following talks between the Qatari Prime Minister and Hamas negotiators and separate Israeli negotiators in his office, an agreement was reached on the Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages. A source told Fox News.
Separately, A senior Hamas official confirmed to Fox News that an agreement had been reached.
The conflict, which began with a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has left more than 1,200 Israelis dead, more than 250 hostages and thousands killed on both sides.
The deal, brokered by Qatari negotiators and brokered by Egyptian mediators, drew heavy involvement from the United States. Despite concerns about Hamas reconciliation and internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration have made a strategic push to complete the deal.
The sources told Fox News Digital that a meeting over the weekend between Netanyahu and President-elect Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was decisive. Wittkoff’s assurances reportedly convinced Netanyahu to accept the deal, despite threats from the right-wing party to leave the party if the coalition passes.
The fire between Israel and Hamas stopped
(Noam Gallai/Getty Images)
The agreement calls for the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly groups. Women, children and men over 50 are prioritized, while young men are included later in humanitarian affairs. Updates on the status of hostages alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of survivors.
The execution of the operation depends on extensive coordination between the IDF, Shin Bet, Israel Police, Ministry of Health, International Red Cross and Egyptian authorities. 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released within 42 days. The first stages will focus on civilian women, children and female soldiers, followed by the elderly. The last hostage in this group is scheduled to be released on the 42nd.
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Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US President-elect Donald Trump’s Middle East Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. (Photo: Media Adviser to the Prime Minister)
On the 16th day, the second phase begins, which sees the return of youth, soldiers and corpses. Netanyahu assured the families of the hostages that each prisoner would be held accountable in the deal. An estimated 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange, with murderers barred from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they are sent to Gaza, Qatar or Turkey.
The ceasefire will facilitate up to 600 trucks of humanitarian aid entering Gaza each day. On the 22nd, displaced residents will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams administer vehicle inspections, pedestrian crossings do not require inspections. The IDF withdraws from the Nitzarim corridor but maintains a limited presence along the Philadelphia line.
Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance to a tunnel leading to Egypt amid ongoing clashes between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in southern Gaza’s Philadelphia Corridor, September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Although information about the condition of the hostages is limited, assessments indicate that most are alive. Before each evacuation phase, Israel receives updated information on their identity and health status. The International Red Cross oversees their transit from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while addressing logistical challenges such as crowd control.
Upon entry into Israel, hostages undergo identity verification and initial questioning by the Shin Bet and the IDF. Medical teams stationed at the border provide immediate care, while those requiring further treatment are taken to hospitals. After receiving the necessary care, the hostages will be reunited with their families.
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Israeli security forces are preparing for various contingencies to ensure the success of the operation while maintaining stability. The coming weeks will be tense and emotional as families and the nation wait for the return of those held captive in this long conflict, including seven Americans.
