Negotiators on Wednesday reached a phased agreement aimed at ending the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas, an official briefed on the discussions said. The deal, which comes after 15 months of war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives and destabilized the region, has not yet been formally announced.
The initial phase of the accord includes a six-week ceasefire, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, and a prisoner exchange: Hamas will release hostages, including women, children, and men over 50, while Israel will free Palestinian prisoners, according to the official.
By the 16th day of the ceasefire, negotiators are expected to address the next stage, which could include the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. The third phase is set to focus on the return of bodies of the deceased and the start of Gaza’s reconstruction, with oversight from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
The agreement follows protracted negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support. Hamas confirmed its delegation had approved the terms for the ceasefire and hostage release, while a Palestinian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the group was awaiting additional details before granting final approval.
If implemented, the ceasefire could halt the destruction that has reduced much of Gaza to rubble, displaced millions, and caused daily casualties. The broader region, meanwhile, has seen rising tensions, with the conflict spilling over into the West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, raising fears of a wider war involving Israel and Iran.
While the deal marks a significant breakthrough, further negotiations will be required to establish a lasting ceasefire and secure the release of all hostages.
This accord, brokered against the backdrop of widespread devastation and a mounting humanitarian crisis, represents a fragile but crucial step toward peace in a region long marred by conflict.
