Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire agreement that also guarantees the release of hostages, Fox News has confirmed.
A source briefed on the matter told Fox News, “As a result of Qatari Prime Minister's meeting with Hamas negotiators and a separate Israeli negotiator at his official residence, an agreement was reached for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. I did,” he said.
Separately, A senior Hamas official confirmed to Fox News that an agreement had been reached.
The conflict, which began with a brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, has left more than 1,200 Israelis dead on both sides, more than 250 taken hostage, and thousands of others killed.
The agreement was brokered by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian mediators, but the United States was also heavily involved. Despite concerns about Hamas rearming and tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition government, both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration applied strategic pressure to reach a deal.
A person familiar with the matter told Fox News Digital that a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and President-elect Trump's incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff led to a breakthrough. Media reports say Witkoff's assurances persuaded Netanyahu to accept the deal, despite threats from right-wing parties to leave the coalition if it passes.
Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas approaches amid fears of terrorist group rearming in Gaza
(Noam Garay/Getty Images)
The agreement stipulates that the three hostages would be released on the first day, with subsequent releases weekly. Initially, priority will be given to women, children and men over 50, and later to include young men in humanitarian cases. Updates on the hostage situation alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who did not survive their captivity.
The execution of this operation relies on extensive coordination between the IDF, Shin Bet, Israeli Police, Ministry of Health, International Red Cross, and Egyptian authorities. Thirty-three Israeli hostages are scheduled to be freed in 42 days. The initial phase 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 accepts draft Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement: officials
Prime Minister Netanyahu met with Steve Witkoff, US President-elect Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East. (Photo provided by Prime Minister's Press Secretary)
The second phase will begin on the 16th day, with efforts to release young men and soldiers and return their remains. Prime Minister Netanyahu assured hostage families that all prisoners would be included in the deal. In exchange, about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners of war will be freed and those convicted of murder will be barred from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they will be sent to Gaza, Qatar or Türkiye.
The ceasefire will also facilitate large-scale humanitarian aid to Gaza, with up to 600 supply trucks entering the country each day. By the 22nd, displaced people will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Teams from Qatar and Egypt will manage vehicle inspections, but no inspections will be required at pedestrian crossings. The IDF will withdraw from the Nitzarim Corridor, but will maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphia Route.
Israeli soldiers stand at the entrance to a tunnel leading to Egypt during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in the Gaza Strip, in the Philadelphia Corridor area of southern Gaza, on September 13, 2024. Reuters/Amir Cohen (Reuters/Amir Cohen)
Information on the hostage situation remains limited, but assessments suggest most are alive. Before each release stage, Israel receives updated information about their identity 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, the hostages will undergo identification and initial interrogation by the Shin Bet and Israel Defense Forces. Medical teams deployed at the border will provide immediate treatment and patients requiring further treatment will be airlifted to hospitals. The hostages will be reunited with their families after receiving the necessary medical treatment.
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Israeli security forces prepare for a variety of contingencies to ensure the success of operations while maintaining stability. The coming weeks will be tense and emotional as families and citizens await the return of prisoners of war, including seven Americans, in this protracted conflict.
