Israel and Hamas near historic ceasefire agreement, with ‘hostages expected to release soon’.
Amidst the continuous bombing in Gaza for months, a historic ceasefire deal is finally in the air between Israel and Hamas, as negotiations between the two sides for the release of hostages.
Palestinian official told international media about development which comes outgoing US President Joe Biden pushed for deal, with Washington, Doha working to conclude the discussions.
Meanwhile, an Israeli official also said that talks are in advanced stages, with a deal expected within hours, days, or potentially longer.
US President Joe Biden held conversations with both Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to finalise conditions.
The potential deal includes several key provisions.
Palestinian resistance group Hamas is expected to release three hostages on the first day of the agreement, followed by the release of more hostages in the days to come.
In exchange, Tel Aviv will start its troop withdrawal from populated areas in Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire would continue for more than a month, with a gradual return of displaced people to northern Gaza under strict conditions.
Israel agreed to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including around 190 individuals serving sentences of 15 years or more, in return for 34 hostages from Hamas.
Negotiations for further phases of the deal are set to begin after the 16th day of the ceasefire.
Reports quoting sources said the agreement could be finalised by the end of the week.
President Joe Biden is also expected to speak with Egyptian President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi as part of the ongoing diplomatic efforts.
