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Israel and the Hamas group have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages after meetings with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
As Ukrinform reports, this was reported by the BBC with reference to an informed source.
It is noted that there has been no confirmation of the agreement from the Israeli government or Hamas, but a representative of the group previously told the BBC that the organization had accepted a draft agreement proposed by mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt.
Details of the three-stage plan have not been made public, but it is reported that 33 hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails during the first six weeks of the ceasefire in the enclave.
Negotiations on the second phase, which should include the release of the remaining hostages, the full withdrawal of Israeli troops, and "lasting peace," will begin in two weeks.
The final third phase should involve the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of the bodies of all remaining hostages.
According to the Times of Israel, an Israeli official confirmed that an agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas on a ceasefire and the release of hostages.
According to Jewish media, Israel's ministerial National Security Committee (SSC) will meet at 11:00 a.m. local time on Thursday to approve the hostage release agreement.
According to CNN, US President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday reacted to the agreement between Israel and Hamas on the release of hostages.
"We have a deal on the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly," Trump wrote on Truth Social.
He added that his national security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and allies to ensure that "Gaza never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists."
Photo: EPA/UPG
