Israel, Hamas Agree in Principle to Ceasefire, Hostage Deal

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

A draft deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and hostage release has been agreed to in principle and, if all goes well, will be finalized by Israel and Hamas this week, Arab, U.S. and Israeli officials told CBS News.

Posted by lamplighter at 07:32 PM | 7 COMMENTS | permalink

Negotiators have made progress toward a deal that would release hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip and secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel, according to comments evincing cautious optimism shared Tuesday by Israel, Qatar and Hamas. Here's what we know:

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-- The Washington Post (@washingtonpost.com) January 14, 2025 at 1:14 PM

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... If final details are approved, and the Israeli government also votes to approve it shortly thereafter, implementation of the deal could begin this weekend, U.S. and regional sources said. That means President Biden's long-sought ceasefire deal could come together in the final days of his presidency, and incoming President-elect Donald Trump would oversee its implementation.

Sources tell CBS News that the parties have begun drafting public statements of success and hopes are high on all sides. ...

#1 | Posted by LampLighter at 2025-01-14 04:12 PM

Hamas OKs draft agreement of a Gaza ceasefire and the release of some hostages, officials say
apnews.com

... Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of dozens of hostages, two officials involved in the talks said Tuesday. Mediators the United States and Qatar said Israel and the Palestinian militant group were at the closest point yet to sealing a deal to bring them a step closer to ending 15 months of war.

The Associated Press obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and an Egyptian official and a Hamas official confirmed its authenticity. An Israeli official said progress has been made, but the details are being finalized. All three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

"I believe we will get a ceasefire," U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said during a speech Tuesday, asserting it was up to Hamas. "It's right on the brink. It's closer than it's ever been before," and word could come within hours, or days. ...