On January 15, Israel and the Hamas group reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. This information was reported by CNN and Reuters, citing their own sources.
The negotiations concluded after 15 months of armed conflict, during which both parties agreed to halt hostilities in the Gaza Strip.
An official announcement of the agreement has yet to be made, but sources indicate that the arrangement includes an initial six-week ceasefire. The document also outlines a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a hostage exchange: the release of individuals held by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
According to CNN, Hamas and affiliated militant groups plan to release 33 hostages captured in Israel during the attacks on October 7, 2023. In return, Israel has agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Reuters reports that the Hamas delegation has conveyed its approval of the terms of the agreement to intermediaries. A Palestinian official noted that the group provided verbal consent for the ceasefire and hostage exchange discussed in Qatar, and is awaiting further details to provide written approval.
As CNN reports, following the final approval of the agreement, Palestinian civilians will be allowed to return to northern Gaza and receive humanitarian aid.