Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage exchange deal, according to a source informed about the negotiations, as told to the BBC.
While there has been no official confirmation from either the Israeli government or Hamas, a Hamas representative previously informed the BBC that the group had approved a draft proposal mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt.
US President-elect Donald Trump also announced on social media: “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East,” referring to his envoy’s involvement in the discussions.
The three-phase plan’s details have not been officially disclosed. However, reports suggest that in the first six weeks, 33 hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody under the ceasefire terms.
Negotiations for the second phase will begin two weeks later, focusing on the release of remaining hostages, a full Israeli troop withdrawal, and efforts to establish long-term peace.
The final phase would prioritize the reconstruction of Gaza, an effort likely to span years, alongside recovering the bodies of any remaining hostages.
The Israeli military launched its campaign against Hamas following the group’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, which left around 1,200 people dead and 251 taken hostage.
In Gaza, over 46,700 people have been killed since the conflict began, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, facing widespread destruction and critical shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter, as aid struggles to reach those in need.
Israel reports that 94 hostages are still held by Hamas, with 34 believed to have died. Additionally, four Israelis abducted before the war remain unaccounted for, with two presumed dead.
