The Israeli government and Hamas have reportedly struck a deal aimed at pausing hostilities in Gaza, paving the way for the phased release of hostages held by the militant group.
Sources close to the negotiations told CNN that the agreement, which is yet to be officially confirmed, could be a pivotal step towards de-escalation in the ongoing conflict that has gripped the region since the October 7 attacks.
Under the terms of this potential agreement, Hamas and its affiliated groups are expected to release 33 hostages, who were taken during the brutal assaults that left the nation reeling. In exchange, Israel is poised to free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom have been incarcerated for years.
The deal outlines an initial 42-day ceasefire, contingent upon the approval of the Israeli cabinet, which requires only a simple majority vote.
However, the agreement isn’t without its opponents; the Israeli Supreme Court is set to hear petitions from those who contest the release of Palestinian prisoners, underscoring the contentious nature of the situation.
Sources indicate that Israeli officials are optimistic that most of the hostages to be freed in the first phase of the agreement are alive.
Among the anticipated releases are five female Israeli soldiers, each of whom will be exchanged for 50 Palestinian prisoners, including 30 individuals serving life sentences for their roles in violent attacks against Israelis.
Importantly, the deal stipulates that Palestinian prisoners convicted of murder will not be released into the West Bank. Instead, these individuals will be sent either to Gaza or even abroad, following diplomatic arrangements with foreign governments.
As part of the agreement, the Israeli military is expected to begin a withdrawal from key population centers in Gaza during the ceasefire period, though forces will remain stationed along the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi Corridor.
A buffer zone will also be established between Gaza and Israel, the specifics of which are still under deliberation.