After weeks of negotiations with an international mediator, Israel has reportedly agreed to a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and a framework for the release of hostages.
Israel has “more or less accepted” the framework, but the ball is now in Hamas’ court to agree on terms, a senior U.S. official said on condition of anonymity. told the Associated Press Talks continued in Egypt on Saturday.
U.S. officials said the deal would include a six-week ceasefire if accepted by all sides, and Hamas would release hostages considered at risk. The framework also includes a greater flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians, about a quarter of the population, are on the brink of starvation. according to to a senior United Nations official.
A senior Egyptian official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told The Associated Press that a response from Hamas on the proposed deal was expected on Sunday.
More than 30,000 Palestinians have been killed in northern Gaza, and hundreds of thousands are struggling for survival, following Israeli retaliation after the Oct. 7 terrorist attack by Hamas that left more than 1,200 Israelis dead. As Israel continues to fight, scrutiny of Israel has intensified.
U.S. Air Forces Central began dropping air aid supplies to Gaza on Saturday. President Biden announced the plan on Friday, reiterating his belief that the United States and others need to do more to help the Palestinians.
The move comes after UN officials say one in six children under the age of two in Gaza suffers from malnutrition, according to the Associated Press.
The proposed cease-fire comes after more than 100 Palestinians died trying to receive humanitarian aid from a food convoy in Gaza City. Palestinians have accused Israel of firing on civilians, but Israeli officials say their forces shoot only at those who pose a threat.
The Biden administration has been involved in months of negotiations between Egypt, Qatar, Egypt and Hamas to end fighting. The president acknowledged Thursday that civilian deaths could complicate the deal.
“The ball is now in Hamas’ court and we continue to push this forward as hard as we can,” the official told The Associated Press.
The Associated Press contributed reporting.
Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
