Gaza Truce Deal In 'Final' Stages, 1,000 Palestinian Prisoners To Be Exchanged For 33 Israeli Hostages: Report
Negotiations for a Gaza truce deal have reached 'final' stage, with reports suggesting the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages.
Negotiations for a truce deal in Gaza have reached a critical juncture, with reports suggesting the release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 hostages. The development follows extensive talks facilitated by Qatar, with the United States also playing a significant role.
According to news agency AFP, sources close to Hamas revealed that Israel would release approximately 1,000 Palestinian detainees, including those serving lengthy sentences, as part of the deal's first phase. An Israeli government official stated, "Several hundred terrorists will be released" during this stage.
Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari announced on Tuesday that the discussions had reached their final stages, marking the closest point to an agreement in months. "We are close, we are not there yet," an Israeli official commented, adding that some details remain unresolved, news agency Reuters reported.
Hamas expressed optimism, stating that the negotiations had entered the "final steps" and hoped for a conclusive agreement soon. Reuters quoted a Palestinian source indicating that if all proceeded smoothly, the deal could be finalised on Tuesday.
The truce plan includes a phased ceasefire and the release of hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden emphasised its importance, stating, "The deal ... would free the hostages, halt the fighting, provide security to Israel and allow us to significantly surge humanitarian assistance to the Palestinians who suffered terribly in this war that Hamas started."
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Gaza Truce Deal To Halt Violence In Strife-Torn Strip
Qatar, serving as the key mediator, presented a final draft of the agreement on Monday, following a breakthrough in discussions held in Doha. The high-stakes negotiations involved U.S. envoys Brett McGurk and Steve Witkoff, along with Israeli representatives Mossad director David Barnea and Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, Reuters reported.
If successful, the deal would halt the ongoing violence that has devastated Gaza, resulting in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and widespread homelessness. Israeli forces, engaged in retaliatory actions since the October 7 Hamas-led attack, have reportedly caused over 46,000 fatalities, according to Palestinian health officials. The conflict began after Hamas fighters crossed into Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.
The agreement’s first phase is expected to last 60 days, during which Israel would gradually withdraw some forces, as per Reuters. The hostages set to be released include children, women (including female soldiers), elderly men, and those who are wounded or sick.
The war has intensified tensions across the Middle East, with repercussions in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and fears of a broader conflict involving Iran. A temporary ceasefire in November 2023 facilitated the release of around half of the hostages, mainly women, children, and foreign labourers.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that Hamas held the key to the deal’s success. He is expected to outline a post-war strategy for Gaza soon, Axios reported.
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