Israel and Hamas reached ceasefire agreement in Gaza, media reports

Tengrinews.kz - Negotiating teams from Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, according to The New York Times.

The New York Times cited senior officials from a mediating country and two Israeli representatives who confirmed the development.

"The agreement needs to be formally ratified by the Israeli cabinet and the government, two senior Israeli officials said," the article reads.

Two other officials noted last-minute disagreements regarding the Egypt-Gaza border, currently controlled by Israeli forces.

White House officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the ceasefire agreement. Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim also acknowledged the deal.

Meanwhile, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump announced a separate agreement on hostage exchange, stating on social media that "they will be released."

The report mentions that Trump warned of serious consequences if Israel and Hamas failed to reach an agreement before his inauguration on January 20, a move that some officials believe accelerated negotiations.

If implemented, the ceasefire would facilitate the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel after more than a year of devastating conflict. The war has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and caused significant destruction in Gaza.

Although neither Israel nor Hamas has officially endorsed the agreement, Hamas said on Tuesday that talks had entered the "final stage." Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar, who cut short his overseas trip, confirmed his return to participate in Cabinet discussions on hostages.

Hamas issued a statement Wednesday night confirming its response to the proposed deal without disclosing specifics.

For the agreement to take effect, Hamas negotiators in Doha must secure the consent of commanders in Gaza, including leader Mohammed Sinwar.

The latest round of talks is being held in Qatar, a key mediator alongside Egypt and the U.S. Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari said Tuesday that the parties had resolved major disagreements.

The agreement follows months of diplomatic efforts to end the Gaza conflict, which began when Hamas attacked Israeli settlements on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and capturing 250 hostages. Approximately 105 captives were released during a week-long ceasefire in November 2023 in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.

Read also: Israel claims elimination of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza