Fox News has confirmed that Israel and Hamas have reached a cease-fire agreement, which also includes provisions for the release of hostages.
A source briefed on the situation informed Fox News, "A Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached following a meeting between the Qatari Prime Minister, Hamas negotiators, and separately Israeli negotiators in his office."
A senior Hamas official also confirmed the deal to Fox News, stating that while final details were still being negotiated, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office expressed hopes that "details will be finalized tonight."
According to Reuters, an official briefed on the agreement has reported that a deal is indeed in place.
The conflict, which escalated following Hamas’ brutal attacks on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 1,200 Israelis dead, with more than 250 taken hostage, alongside thousands of casualties on both sides.
CEASE-FIRE BETWEEN ISRAEL AND HAMAS GETTING CLOSER AMID CONCERNS TERROR GROUP REARMING IN GAZA
President-elect Trump expressed his approval of the agreement, stating, "This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November. It signaled to the entire world that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our Allies." Trump also shared his excitement on TRUTH Social about the return of American and Israeli hostages to their families.
The deal, facilitated by Qatari negotiators with significant involvement from the United States, was influenced by both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration. Despite concerns about Hamas rearming and internal tensions within Netanyahu’s coalition, strategic pressure was applied to finalize the agreement.
Sources indicated that a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was pivotal in achieving this breakthrough. Witkoff’s assurances reportedly convinced Netanyahu to proceed with the deal, even in the face of threats from a right-wing party to withdraw from the coalition.
Trump lauded his team, stating, "With this deal in place, my National Security team, through Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to ensure Gaza NEVER becomes a terrorist safe haven again." He emphasized the continuation of promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH in the region, building upon the momentum of the ceasefire to potentially expand the Historic Abraham Accords.
The agreement outlines the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly batches. Prioritization will be given to women, children, and men over 50, with younger men included in humanitarian cases later. Updates on hostages’ statuses will alternate between survivor announcements and confirmations of those who did not survive captivity.
The operation will require extensive coordination among the IDF, Shin Bet, Israeli Police, the Ministry of Health, the International Red Cross, and Egyptian authorities. Over a period of 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released, starting with civilian women, children, and female soldiers, followed by elderly men. The final hostage in this initial group is set for release on the 42nd day.
HAMAS HAS ACCEPTED DRAFT AGREEMENT FOR GAZA CEASE-FIRE, HOSTAGE RELEASE: OFFICIALS
On the 16th day, the second phase will commence, addressing the release of younger men and soldiers, along with the return of remains. Netanyahu assured families of hostages that every captive is accounted for within the deal. Approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange, with murder convicts restricted from returning to the West Bank and instead sent to Gaza, Qatar, or Turkey.
The cease-fire will also enable substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, allowing up to 600 trucks of supplies to enter daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be permitted to return to northern Gaza. Vehicle inspections will be managed by Qatari and Egyptian teams, with pedestrian crossings exempt from checks. The IDF is expected to withdraw from the Nitzarim corridor but will maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphi Route.
While intelligence on the hostages’ conditions remains limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Israel will receive updated information on their identities and health statuses prior to each release stage. The International Red Cross will oversee the transfer of hostages from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while addressing logistical challenges like crowd control.
Upon their arrival in Israel, hostages will undergo identity verification and initial questioning by Shin Bet and the IDF. Medical teams will be on standby at the border to provide immediate care, with those needing further treatment being airlifted to hospitals. After receiving necessary care, hostages will be reunited with their families.
Israel’s security forces are preparing for various contingencies to guarantee the operation’s success while maintaining stability. The coming weeks will be filled with tension and emotion as families and the nation await the return of those held captive, including seven Americans, in this ongoing conflict.
