Hamas and Israel edge closer to crucial ceasefire agreement
Palestinian Hamas has accepted a draft ceasefire with Israel, which could potentially lead to the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, reported the American agency, Associated Press. The agreement is described as "closer than it's ever been," according to U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
Palestinian Hamas agreed to a draft agreement with Israel regarding the ceasefire and the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, according to the AP agency, citing two officials involved in the negotiations.
An Egyptian official and a Hamas representative confirmed the authenticity of the agreement to the Associated Press. An Israeli official acknowledged that talks are progressing, although the details have yet to be fully determined.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that the agreement is "closer than it's ever been" but still awaits final confirmation from Hamas. However, it should be noted that since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, statements like this have been made several times, often followed by escalation from Tel Aviv.
Israel's Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, assured in Rome that the government coalition would support the agreement once it is reached.
Conditions of the agreement
Nevertheless, according to BBC sources, both sides have agreed that Hamas will release three hostages on the first day of the agreement's implementation, and Israel will begin withdrawing troops from the populated areas of the Gaza Strip.
The new phase of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, ongoing since the 1940s, began after Hamas and other Palestinian organizations attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023. This attack resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 kidnappings.
Israel's retaliation on the Gaza Strip resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 people, according to the local health ministry. The region is devastated, and the humanitarian crisis has forced most civilians to leave their homes.
