Mediators announced Wednesday that Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal. If it goes into action, it will pause the devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip. It also raises the possibility of ending the war completely.
The deal comes after weeks of negotiations hosted in Qatar’s capital. It promises the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas. Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Hundreds of thousands of people displaced in Gaza may return to what remains of their homes. Badly needed humanitarian aid will more easily enter the devastated territory.
Three U.S. officials and one from Hamas confirmed that a deal had been reached. All four officials requested anonymity to discuss the deal before the official announcement by mediators in Doha, Qatar.
About an hour later, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the deal had not reached final agreement. But it stated that officials hoped details would be finalized Wednesday night. Netanyahu’s Cabinet must approve any agreement.
The deal is expected to deliver an initial six-week halt to fighting. Officials will then open negotiations on ending the war altogether.
Over six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 remaining hostages are to be reunited with their loved ones after months in in captivity. However, it’s unclear if all are alive.
It remained unclear exactly when and how many displaced Palestinians would be able to return to what remains of their homes. There are also questions about whether the agreement would lead to a complete end to the war and the full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Those are key Hamas demands for releasing the remaining captives.
Many longer-term questions about postwar Gaza remain, including who will rule the territory or oversee the daunting task of reconstruction.
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