Israel and Hamas Strike Hostage Ceasefire Agreement, Details Under Negotiation – One America News Network
OAN Staff James Meyers
10:20 AM – Wednesday, January 15, 2025
Reports indicate that a deal has been reached to release more than a third of the Israeli hostages and initiate a ceasefire within the Gaza Strip, with agreement from both Israeli officials and Hamas leaders.
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This pause will facilitate negotiations between Israel and the Islamist militant group regarding the release of the remaining 97 hostages in Gaza, according to an official statement made to the Israeli media.
However, in a closed-door meeting last December, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously communicated that hostilities in Gaza would persist, even with a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, leaving many observers uncertain about the ongoing conflict.
Officials in Jerusalem informed Israeli media that Hamas has formally agreed to and signed the deal, with Netanyahu anticipated to lend his approval by Thursday, as reported by the Times of Israel.
Nonetheless, if either party breaches the agreement at any stage, it is expected that hostilities will resume, leading to a breakdown of the deal.
“There is a breakthrough in the hostage deal negotiations in Doha. Hamas’ military leader in Gaza, Mohammed Sinwar, has given his approval,” one Israeli official shared with reporters.
The Prime Minister of Qatar, Sheik Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose delegation has played a role in mediating the terms, is expected to hold a press conference later on Wednesday to discuss the latest updates regarding the agreement.
The current proposal includes an immediate ceasefire in Gaza for a duration of 42 days, during which time Hamas is to release 33 hostages.
The hostages included in this release will comprise women, children, men over the age of 50, and individuals who are injured or ill. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from detention. Additionally, the arrangement calls for the provision of hundreds of vehicles to facilitate the distribution of food, medical supplies, fuel, and other essential resources throughout Gaza.
Thus far, Hamas has not disclosed a list identifying the 33 hostages nor their conditions, nor confirmed how many of the 97 remaining hostages are still alive.
Israeli authorities believe that among the hostages, three Israeli-Americans are included.
The precise number of hostages will be finalized once Hamas names those to be released.
This is a breaking news story. Please check back for updates.
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