Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release agreement reached

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that also ensures the release of hostages, Fox News has confirmed.

“A cease-fire agreement and the release of Gaza hostages was reached after the meeting of the Qatari Prime Minister with the negotiators of Hamas, and separately the Israeli negotiators in his office,” a source informed on the matter told Fox News.

Separately, a senior Hamas official confirmed to Fox News that an agreement had been reached.

The conflict, which began with brutal attacks by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has left more than 1,200 Israelis dead, more than 250 taken hostageand thousands of others killed on both sides.

The deal, negotiated by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian intermediaries, also saw significant involvement from the United States. Both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration applied strategic pressure to finalize the deal, despite concerns about the rearmament of Hamas 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 incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, led to the breakthrough. Witkoff’s assurances convinced him Netanyahu to accept the deal, despite threats from a right-wing party to withdraw from the coalition if it passes.

The cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that is approaching amid the concerns of the terror group that is rising in Gaza.

(Noam Galai/Getty Images)

The agreement calls for the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly battles. Women, children and men over 50 will be prioritized initially, with younger men in humanitarian cases included later. Updates on the status of the hostages will alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who did not survive captivity.

The execution of the operation depends on extensive coordination between the IDF, Shin Bet, the Israeli Police, the Ministry of Health, the International Red Cross and the Egyptian authorities. Over 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released. The first stages focus on civilian women, children and female soldiers, followed by older men. The final hostage in this group is scheduled for release on the 42nd day.

HAMAS ACCEPTED DRAFT GAZA Ceasefire Agreement, HOSTAGE RELEASE: OFFICIALS

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with US President-elect Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. (Photo from the Prime Minister’s Media Council)

On the 16th, the second phase will begin, dealing with the release of the young, soldiers, and the return of the remains. Netanyahu assured the hostage families that every prisoner is accounted for in the deal. About 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange, 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 to Gaza, with up to 600 truckloads of supplies entering each day. On 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 IDF will withdraw from the Corridor of Nitzarim but maintains a limited presence along the Philadelphia Route.

Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance to a tunnel leading to Egypt in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in the Philadelphia Corridor area of ​​southern Gaza , September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

Although intelligence on the conditions of the hostages remains limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Before each stage of release, Israel will receive updated information on their identities and health status. The International Red Cross will oversee their transfer from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while facing logistical challenges such as crowd control.

Upon entry into Israel, the hostages will be subject to identity verification and initial questioning by the Shin Bet and IDF. Medical teams stationed at the border will provide immediate care, and those requiring further treatment will be transported to hospitals. After receiving the necessary care, the hostages will be reunited with their families.

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Israel’s 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.