Hamas has accepted draft agreement for Gaza cease-fire, hostage release: officials
Share and Follow

Hamas has reportedly agreed to a draft cease-fire deal with Israel that would include the release of dozens of hostages, according to The Associated Press, which cited “officials involved in the talks.” This potential agreement is the first sign in months that the war between Israel and Hamas, which has gone one of over a year, could be nearing its end.

The possible agreement will reportedly take place in three phases, the first of which would kick off a 42-day cease-fire. During that time, 33 hostages, including children, women, female soldiers, men over the age of 50 and humanitarian cases would be released. In exchange, Hamas would receive hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile detainees. According to an Israeli government official, “most” of the 33 hostages who were abducted by Hamas from Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, are still alive.

Addressing the exchange of hostages for prisoners, the Israeli government official noted that there is a “price” for getting the terrorist group to release the captives. The source vowed, however, that Israel would “not leave the Gaza Strip until all of our hostages are back home.”

Rubble in Gaza

People inspect the debris and rubble at the site of Israeli bombardment on a residential block in Jalaa Street in Gaza City on Jan. 14, 2025, amid the ongoing war in the Palestinian territory between Israel and Hamas.

Qatari and Israeli officials who spoke with FOX News expressed optimism about the potential deal that could bring about an end to the war.

Thousands have been killed in the 15-month war, which started after Hamas’ brutal attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, in which more than 1,200 Israelis were killed and over 250 were taken hostage.

Efrat Lachter contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Deferred prosecution in Erik McClinton in animal cruely case for putting dog in trailer on during cold Hammond, IN weather

Erik McClinton Faces Deferred Prosecution for Alleged Animal Cruelty in Freezing Hammond, IN Conditions

HAMMOND, Ind. (WLS) — A new development has emerged in the case…
Appeals court refuses to block full SNAP payments 

Appeals Court Upholds Full SNAP Benefits in Latest Ruling

A federal appeals court delivered a blow to the Trump administration on…
Meghan's pal's bookshop 'reported for serving wine without licence'

Meghan Markle’s Friend’s Bookshop in Hot Water for Allegedly Serving Wine Illegally

Meghan Markle’s recent venture into retail with a renowned friend’s bookstore might…
'Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest' hosting 1st ever Central Time zone countdown in Chicago on ABC7

Experience History: ‘Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve’ Unveils First-Ever Central Time Countdown Live from Chicago on ABC7

CHICAGO — For the first time in its storied history, “Dick Clark’s…
Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell's attorney: 'I love representing the underdog'

Whistleblower Reveals Ghislaine Maxwell’s VIP Treatment in Prison: The Truth Behind the ‘Concierge-Style’ Life

A whistleblower has come forward with claims that Jeffrey Epstein’s associate is…
Trump's historic cut to refugee program poised to face legal challenges

Legal Showdown Looms Over Trump’s Unprecedented Refugee Program Cuts

Refugee advocacy groups are contemplating legal action following President Trump’s decision to…
Federal government shutdown update: Enough Senate Democrats expected to vote with Republicans to break shutdown impasse: Sources

Senate Democrats Poised to Break Federal Shutdown Stalemate with GOP Collaboration

WASHINGTON — The Senate is preparing for a crucial vote as early…
Senate votes to advance proposal to end 40-day government shutdown

Senate Moves Forward on Proposal to Conclude 40-Day Government Shutdown

On Sunday night, a coalition of weary Democratic senators joined forces with…