US President-elect Donald Trump took to the Truth Social network to announce the news of a possible peace deal in Gaza.
“We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon. Thank you!” Trump posted on the Truth Social network.
This announcement comes as the ceasefire talks in Gaza, brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the US, have made concrete progress. According to a statement provided by Hamas to Al Jazeera, the group has approved a ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
“Our delegation, led by Khalil Al-Hayya, delivered the movement’s approval to the mediators Qatar and Egypt for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange,” Hamas said in a statement.
The ceasefire plan, as reported by Israeli media, includes three phases. The first phase involves the release of 33 Israeli prisoners in exchange for around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Palestinian sources close to Hamas say that children and women will be given priority in the release.
The agreement now awaits approval by Israel’s security cabinet, and the Israeli government will allow two days for any appeals to the Israeli Supreme Court.
Although the deal represents a crucial step towards peace, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continues to insist on eliminating Hamas’s military and administrative capabilities. Hamas, on the other hand, rejects a final prisoner release without a withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Further negotiations on the second phase of the ceasefire are due to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire, while implementation of the full agreement will continue depending on the success of the first phase.
The agreement was cautiously welcomed by the international community, which continues to call for lasting peace and humanitarian relief for the people of Gaza.
