Hamas has reportedly agreed to the terms of a ceasefire proposed by Israel, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict that began with the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.
During that attack, Hamas took numerous hostages, while Israel launched land and air assaults on Gaza in retaliation, resulting in the deaths of an estimated 46,000 Palestinians. Over 1,000 Israelis were also killed during the initial strike.
On Wednesday, both Israeli and Palestinian officials confirmed that Hamas had given verbal approval for a ceasefire deal, which would include the release of hostages and a halt to the fighting in Gaza.
While Hamas has not yet provided a written response, reports from Reuters and AFP indicated that the two sides were close to finalising an agreement.
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According to sources cited by CNN, the deal could involve the phased release of hostages, starting with 33 individuals in the first phase, alongside the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
This process would begin on Sunday, with the second phase of negotiations, which aims to bring an end to the war, set to commence after the 16th day of the agreement’s implementation.
The deal, once confirmed, would offer the first significant break from the conflict for the people of Gaza in over a year, providing a much-needed respite for the civilian population and facilitating the entry of humanitarian aid into the region.
The deal would also allow for the return of Palestinian civilians to northern Gaza, where conditions have been dire due to the ongoing siege.
In a statement, Hamas emphasised its commitment to the agreement, stating that it had consulted with allied groups and handled the matter “with full responsibility and positivity.”
The group further highlighted its duty to protect the people of Gaza and end what it described as “Zionist aggression” and the “massacres and genocide” faced by Palestinians in the region.
