Israel-Hamas ceasefire, hostage release agreement reached

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

“An agreement on a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages was reached after the Qatari prime minister’s meeting with Hamas negotiators and separately Israeli negotiators in his office,” a source briefed on the matter told Fox News.

Separately, a senior Hamas official confirmed to Fox News that a deal had been reached. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has not yet confirmed the deal.

Reuters also reported that a deal has been reached, citing an official briefed on the deal.

The conflict, which began with a brutal attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, has left over 1,200 Israelis dead, more than 250 taken hostage and thousands more killed on both sides.

ISRAEL-HAMAS COFFEE CLOSER Amid CONCERNS TERROR GROUP INTELLIGENCE IN GAZA

(Noam Galai/Getty Images)

President-elect Trump, who last week threatened if no deal was reached before his inauguration day that “all hell will break loose” in the Middle East, was quick to offer his praise.

“This EPIC cease-fire agreement could only have happened as a result of our historic victory in November, when it signaled to the world that my administration would seek peace and negotiate agreements to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies,” Truymp wrote of THE TRUTH Social. “I am thrilled that American and Israeli hostages will return home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

The deal, brokered 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 Hamas’ rearmament and internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

Sources told Fox News Digital that a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, led to the breakthrough. Witkoff’s assurances reportedly convinced Netanyahu to accept the deal despite threats from a right-wing party to pull out of the coalition if it was passed.

On Wednesday, Trump praised his negotiators. “With this agreement in place, my national security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our allies to ensure that Gaza NEVER again becomes a safe haven for terrorists.” president-elect said at TRUTH Social. “We will continue to promote PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region as we build on the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the historic Abraham Accords. This is just the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed the world !”

“We’ve accomplished so much without even being in the White House,” Trump added. “Imagine all the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House and my administration is fully confirmed to secure more victories for the United States!

The deal calls for the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly installments. Women, children and men over 50 will be prioritized first, with younger men in humanitarian cases later. Hostage status updates 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, Israeli police, the Ministry of Health, the International Red Cross and Egyptian authorities. Over 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released. The early stages will focus on civilian women, children and female soldiers, followed by older men. The last hostage in this group is scheduled to be released on the 42nd day.

HAMAS HAS ACCEPTED DRAFT AGREEMENT ON GAZA ARMORY, HOSTAGE RELEASE: OFFICIALS

Prime Minister Netanyahu meets with incoming US President Donald Trump’s special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. (Photo by the Prime Minister’s Media Adviser)

On the 16th day, the second phase begins, dealing with the release of younger men, soldiers and the return of remains. Netanyahu assured hostage families that all prisoners are included in the agreement. Approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released in return, with convicted murderers 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 daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will manage vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings do not require checks. The IDF will withdraw from the Nitzarim corridor, but maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphi 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, in the Philadelphi Corridor area of ​​southern Gaza, September 13, 2024. REUTERS/Amir Cohen (REUTERS/Amir Cohen)

Although intelligence on the condition of the hostages remains limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Before each release stage, Israel will receive updated information about their identities 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, hostages will undergo identity verification and initial questioning by the Shin Bet and the 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, 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 fraught with tension and emotion as families and the nation await the return of those captured, including seven Americans, in this long-running conflict.