Israel and Hamas Near Ceasefire Deal With Hostage Release Agreement

Negotiators in Doha finalize terms for a 42-day truce including the exchange of hostages and prisoners, while international pressure mounts for resolution.

The proposed agreement includes a 42-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 33 hostages, including some deceased, in exchange for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Israeli forces are expected to partially withdraw from Gaza, while maintaining buffer zones and security arrangements along the borders during the truce period.
Negotiations for a second phase, aimed at ending the war, are set to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire implementation.
The deal, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, also includes provisions for increased humanitarian aid and the return of displaced Gaza residents to their homes under international oversight.
Both outgoing US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have emphasized the urgency of finalizing the agreement, with Trump setting a deadline before his January 20 inauguration.