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Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza. The deal, expected to be announced soon, includes the release of hostages and a phased implementation plan. According to CNN, the first phase will last 42 days and will see the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of killing Israelis.
The agreement, which has been verbally approved by Hamas, is expected to be signed by Thursday (January 16). The deal involves a six-week initial ceasefire, during which Israel will begin withdrawing from population centers in Gaza but will maintain a buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border.
The ceasefire aims to provide a reprieve from the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Hamas-controlled health officials. The agreement also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Negotiations for the second and third phases of the ceasefire will begin on the 16th day of the deal's implementation. These phases could lead to the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, the ceasefire is not guaranteed to continue beyond the first phase.
Israeli officials have expressed a willingness to negotiate further to bring all hostages home. Reuters reports that the deal must still be approved by the Israeli security cabinet and the full cabinet, with a two-day window for appeals to the Supreme Court.