The Israeli government and Hamas have agreed to a deal that will halt fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of Palestinian hostages and prisoners.
Under the agreement, which has not yet been officially announced, Hamas and allied militant groups are expected to release 33 hostages captured by Israel during the attacks of October 7, 2023.
In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The agreement in question was also confirmed by US President Joe Biden, who also outlined its 3 phases, writes A2 CNN.
"The hostages will be returned to their families soon," Biden said during a speech at the White House, after Hamas and Israel agreed to the ceasefire deal.
Biden said 15 months of suffering would be stopped under the agreement, which is structured in three phases:
1. The first phase will last six weeks and includes a "full and complete ceasefire", the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
2. The second phase involves negotiating "a permanent end to the war," he added. If negotiations last more than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue, Biden said.
3. In the third phase, a reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin, humanitarian aid will be increased, and displaced Palestinians will be able to return to neighborhoods in all areas of Gaza. The remains of deceased hostages will also be returned to their families, he said.
The US leader added that the path to the agreement "has not been easy" and described it as one of the most difficult negotiations he has experienced.
Biden added that he and President-elect Donald Trump's team spoke as "a team" in their efforts to complete the deal, writes A2 CNN. (A2 Televizion)
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