Fox News confirmed that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire agreement that also guarantees the release of the hostages.
A source familiar with the matter told Fox News: “A ceasefire in Gaza and a hostage release agreement were reached following the Qatari Prime Minister’s meeting with Hamas negotiators, and separate Israeli negotiators in his office.”
Separately, A senior Hamas official confirmed to Fox News that an agreement had been reached.
The conflict, which began with brutal Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, has killed more than 1,200 Israelis, more than 250 hostagesThousands of others were killed on both sides.
It also witnessed the deal, which was brokered by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian mediators Great post From the United States. Both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration have applied strategic pressure to finalize the agreement, despite concerns about Hamas's rearming and internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition.
Sources told Fox News Digital that a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and President-elect Trump's new envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, led to this breakthrough. Witkoff was reportedly convinced by his assurances Netanyahu approved the agreement, despite threats from a right-wing party to withdraw from the coalition if it is approved.
(Noam Galai/Getty Images)
The agreement stipulates the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly payments. Women, children and men over 50 will be prioritized initially, with younger men included in humanitarian cases later. Updates on hostage situations will alternate between announcing survivors and confirming those who did not survive captivity.
The implementation of the operation depends on extensive coordination between the Israeli army, the Shin Bet, the Israeli police, the Ministry of Health, the International Red Cross, and the Egyptian authorities. It is expected that 33 Israeli hostages will be released within 42 days. The first phases will focus on women, children and civilian soldiers, followed by elderly men. The last hostage in this group is scheduled to be released on the forty-second day.
Hamas accepted the draft ceasefire agreement in Gaza and the release of the hostages (officials)
Prime Minister Netanyahu met with US President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. (Photo by the Prime Minister’s Media Advisor)
On the sixteenth day, the second phase begins, which deals with the release of young men and soldiers and the return of the remains. Netanyahu assured the hostage families that every prisoner was counted in the deal. In return, about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released, while those convicted of murder will be prohibited from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they will be sent to Gaza, Qatar or Türkiye.
The ceasefire will also facilitate significant humanitarian access to Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. By the 22nd, displaced residents will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will manage vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings will not require inspections. The Israeli army will withdraw from Netzarim Pass But it maintains a limited presence along Philadelphia Road.
Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance of a tunnel leading to Egypt amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in the Philadelphia Corridor area in southern Gaza, September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Although information regarding the conditions of the hostages is still limited, assessments indicate that most of them are alive. Before each release phase, Israel will receive updated information about their identities and health status. The International Red Cross will supervise their transfer from Gaza to Israel, to ensure their safety while facing logistical challenges such as crowd control.
Upon entering Israel, hostages will undergo identity verification and initial interrogation by the Shin Bet and the Israeli army. Medical teams stationed at the border will provide immediate care, and those who need further treatment will be airlifted to hospitals. After receiving the necessary care, the hostages will be reunited with their families.
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Israeli security forces are preparing for various emergency situations to ensure the success of the operation while maintaining stability. The coming weeks will be marked by tension and emotion as families and the nation anticipate the return of prisoners, including seven Americans, in this long conflict.
