Hamas accepts draft ceasefire agreement and release of some hostages
Share:
Hamas has accepted a draft ceasefire agreement and the release of dozens of hostages, with an Israeli official saying the details are being finalised. Hamas said negotiations had reached their "final stage" and it hoped this round of negotiations would lead to a deal.
An Israeli official said: "We are close, we are not there yet.". "I believe we will get a ceasefire," US Secretary of Defence Antony Blinken said. "It's right on the brink. It's closer than it's ever been before.". Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player.
Negotiators have been working on the ceasefire during more than eight hours of talks in Qatar's capital Doha. The deal is expected to halt the most deadly and destructive war between Israel and Hamas. It would bring respite to the Gaza Strip, where 90% of the population of 2.3 million have been displaced during nearly a year and a half of war and many are at risk of famine.
Read more: What's in the proposed deal?. Follow our channel and never miss an update. Nearly 100 Israeli hostages are still being held captive inside Gaza, with the military believing at least a third of those are dead. The agreement would see the hostages released in exchange for Palestinians and militants imprisoned by Israel.
Israeli forces would withdraw from cities and towns in the Gaza Strip, allowing Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes, and there would be a surge in humanitarian aid. Analysis: Deal might be close, but there are many unanswered questions.
