Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that also guarantees the release of the hostages, Fox News has confirmed.
“An agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages was reached following the Qatari prime minister’s meeting with Hamas negotiators, and separately with Israeli negotiators in his office,” Fox told Fox News. News a source briefed on the matter.
Separately, a senior Hamas official confirmed to Fox News that a deal had been reached.
The conflict, which began with brutal Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, has left more than 1,200 Israelis dead, more than 250 people taken hostageand thousands more killed on both sides.
The deal, negotiated by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian intermediaries, also saw a significant involvement of the United States. The outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration have exerted strategic pressure to finalize the deal, despite concerns over Hamas rearmament and internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.
Sources told Fox News Digital that a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and President-elect Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, led to a breakthrough. Witkoff’s assurances would have convinced Netanyahu would accept the deal, despite threats from a right-wing party to withdraw from the coalition if it passed.
(Noam Galaï/Getty Images)
The agreement provides for the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly batches. Women, children and men over 50 will be prioritized initially, with younger men in humanitarian cases included later. Hostage status updates will alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who did not survive captivity.
The execution of the operation relies on extensive coordination between the IDF, the Shin Bet, the Israeli police, the Ministry of Health, the International Red Cross and the Egyptian authorities. In 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released. The first stages will focus on civilian women, children and female soldiers, followed by elderly men. The last hostage in this group is expected to be released on the 42nd day.
Hamas accepts draft ceasefire deal and release of hostages in Gaza: officials
Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with US President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. (Photo by Prime Minister’s Media Advisor)
On the 16th day, the second phase will begin, involving the release of younger men, soldiers and the return of remains. Netanyahu assured hostage families that every captive was accounted for in the deal. In exchange, around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released, with those convicted of murder barred from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they will be sent to Gaza, Qatar or Turkey.
The ceasefire will also facilitate significant humanitarian aid into Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will handle vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings will not require checks. The Israeli army will withdraw from Nitzarim Corridor but maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphia route.
Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance to a tunnel leading to Egypt, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, Philadelphia Corridor region, south from Gaza, September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Although information on the hostages’ living conditions remains limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Before each release stage, Israel will receive updated information on their identity and health status. The International Red Cross will oversee their transfer from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while addressing logistical challenges such as crowd control.
Upon entering Israel, the hostages will be subject to an identity check and an initial interrogation by the Shin Bet and the Israeli army. Medical teams stationed at the border will provide immediate care, and those who require further care will be airlifted to hospitals. After receiving the necessary care, the hostages will be reunited with their families.
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Israeli security forces are preparing for various contingencies to ensure the success of the operation while maintaining stability. The coming weeks will be marked by tension and emotion as families and the nation anticipate the return of those held captive, including seven Americans, in this protracted conflict.
