By Amah
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At last, the protracted war in Gaza is over, following a ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas after negotiations, which were facilitated by Qatar’s prime minister.
A Hamas official confirmed the group’s approval of a draft proposal from mediators in Doha to BBC.
US President-elect Donald Trump announced on social media, “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East.”
The agreement reportedly comprises a three-phase plan. In the initial six weeks of the ceasefire, 33 hostages held by Hamas are expected to be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody.
Negotiations for the second phase will commence two weeks later, focusing on the release of remaining hostages, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and establishing a “sustainable calm.” The third and final phase will address Gaza’s reconstruction, anticipated to take years and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.
Once Qatar or the US formally announces the deal, it must overcome several procedural hurdles. The Israeli cabinet will vote on the agreement, possibly as early as Thursday, with approval anticipated despite opposition from the far-right national security minister.
Following this, the Israeli government will publish the names of Palestinian prisoners set for release, granting victims’ families a 48-hour period to appeal.
This development follows an intense military campaign by Israel against Hamas, launched in response to the group’s 7 October 2023 attack on southern Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages being taken.
Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 46,700 deaths, widespread displacement, and severe shortages of basic necessities among the enclave’s 2.3 million residents.
Israel maintains that Hamas still holds 94 hostages, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Additionally, four Israelis abducted before the war remain unaccounted for, with two believed to have died.
