Negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire appear to be nearing a breakthrough, with both sides reportedly close to an agreement that would end the ongoing conflict. The deal, expected to be implemented in phases, would include a halt to hostilities, the exchange of hostages, and increased aid for Gaza. However, key sticking points remain regarding the specific terms of the hostage exchange and the withdrawal of Israeli troops.
Palestinian children collect water in jerrycans at a camp for displaced people in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on Dec. 12. Israel and Hamas appear closer than they have been in months to agreeing to a ceasefire that could wind down theBut the sides have come close before, only to have talks collapse over various disagreements. This round of negotiations also faces hurdles.
The agreement would take place in phases and include a halt in fighting, an exchange of captive Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, and a surge in aid to the besieged, according to Egyptian, Hamas and American officials. The last phase would include the release of any remaining hostages, an end to the war and talks on reconstruction. Although Israel and Hamas have expressed optimism that a deal is close, key sticking points remain over the exchange of hostages for prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, people involved in the talks say. “They are working through the names of hostages who would come out in the first phase – the names of the prisoners that would be released as part of the exchange. And then some specific details about the disposition of Israeli forces during the ceasefire,” White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Wednesday on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe.”During its Oct. 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel, Hamas and other groups took about 250 people hostages and brought them to Gaza. A previous truce in November 2023 freed more than 100 hostages, while others have been rescued or their remains have been recovered over the past year. Israel says about 100 hostages remain in Gaza – at least a third of whom it believes were killed during the Oct. 7 attack or died in captivity. The warring sides are haggling over which hostages would be included in an initial release, according to the Egyptian and Hamas officials who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were discussing ongoing negotiation
CEASEFIRE HOSTAGES HAMAS ISRAEL GAZA
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