Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft ceasefire agreement for the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential end to the ongoing hostilities with Israel that began in October 2023. Officials involved in the negotiations, facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, have indicated that the parties are closer than ever to finalizing the deal. According to sources, the ceasefire framework is based on a three-phase blueprint crafted by U.S. President Joe Biden and supported by the United Nations Security Council. The initial phase would see the release of 33 hostages over six weeks, marking a crucial step toward restoring peace in the region.

The conflict, which has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population and caused severe humanitarian crises, has claimed the lives of over 46,000 Palestinians, many of whom are women and children, as per Gaza’s Health Ministry. In response to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel in 2023, which left 1,200 Israelis dead and resulted in the capture of 250 hostages, Israel launched a relentless offensive. Although hostilities briefly paused in November 2023 to facilitate the release of some hostages, fighting resumed with significant intensity. Despite ongoing ceasefire talks, Israeli airstrikes have continued, with recent attacks in central Gaza killing at least 17 people, including children.

If implemented, the agreement would bring a much-needed halt to the violence and provide relief to the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, many of whom are on the brink of famine. However, with over 100 hostages still captive and escalating tensions in the region, the success of the ceasefire remains uncertain. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has expressed cautious optimism, stating, “We are closer than ever to a breakthrough.”