Hamas and Israel reach Gaza ceasefire deal after last-minute snag resolved
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A last-minute glitch in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas has been resolved and a deal has finally been agreed. Israel announced Hamas had tried to change agreed-upon understandings for security arrangements along the Philadelphi Corridor on Gaza's border with Egypt. It strongly rejected the proposals. Qatar's PM, who has been mediating the talks, met separately with Hamas and Israeli delegations, and shortly afterwards, the dispute was resolved. The Hamas official, also speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the matter was resolved.
In the hours before a deal being struck more violence broke out with Israel pounding Gaza, killing dozens of Palestinians. At least 24 Palestinians were killed in bombing runs from Tuesday into Wednesday, including two women and four children. One of the women was pregnant and her baby died as well.
Mediators ran into last-minute problems around the deal on Wednesday, which Israel claims was caused by Hamas trying to make changes to already agreed upon arrangements along Gaza's border with Egypt. Hamas meanwhile called the claims "nonsense." It forced Qatar to delay the expected ceasefire announcement, but that glitch was eventually overcome by late afternoon, according to sources.
Both sides have been working on a phased agreement that would include the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas, the return of displaced Palestinians in Gaza to what remains of their homes and an influx of desperately needed humanitarian aid into the besieged territory.
