Israel and Hamas negotiators have reached a cease-fire agreement in Gaza, although the start date is still unclear according to senior officials from both sides. The deal still needs to be formally ratified by the Israeli cabinet and there are technical details to be worked out. There was some disagreement over the Egypt-Gaza border controlled by Israeli forces. The White House confirmed the agreement, as did a Hamas official, although no formal statement has been released by the group.
President-elect Donald Trump announced a hostage deal had been reached and threatened consequences unless an agreement was reached before his inauguration. The cease-fire would allow for the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israel after a year-long conflict that resulted in numerous casualties.
The negotiations were held in Qatar, with the United States and Egypt acting as mediators. Right-wing members of the Israeli government opposed the deal, but the foreign minister believed a majority would support it in a cabinet vote. The agreement follows months of failed diplomacy to end the conflict, which began with a surprise attack by Hamas in 2023.
Further details of the agreement have not been disclosed, and Hamas’ commanders in Gaza must also agree for it to be implemented. The negotiations have entered their final stages, with Israeli officials returning from trips abroad to discuss the issue.
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