More than a year after the start of the war between Hamas and Israel, a breakthrough has occurred. Mediation conducted by the United States, Qatar and Egypt led to the signing of a preliminary agreement.
The information was reported by Reuters, citing local media. Al Jazeera received confirmation from Hamas that the Palestinian armed group agreed to the terms of the ceasefire and exchange of hostages.
Middle East. A breakthrough in the Gaza Strip. There is an agreement
The news about the breakthrough was also reported by Barak Ravid, the Middle East correspondent of Axios, on the X platform. Reuters reported that the plan calls for a six-week initial ceasefire period and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Hamas is to release three hostages each week and the rest before the end of the six-week period. Additionally, the Israeli side is to receive the bodies of the deceased hostages. On the 16th day of the preliminary agreement's validity, talks on the next steps are to begin.
The third phase assumes a final agreement and reconstruction of the Gaza Strip under the supervision of the US, Egypt and Qatar.
The BBC reported according to Israeli media that at the last minute Hamas was to demand control of the so-called California Corridor in the Gaza Strip. This is an area near the border with Egypt. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu previously indicated that his country must control this area.
Let us recall that the war between Hamas and Israel led – according to various calculations – to the death of several dozen thousand people (mainly civilians on the Palestinian side – ed.). The conflict began with Hamas's attack on Israeli territory in October 2023. 1,200 soldiers and civilians were killed and over 250 foreign and Israeli hostages were kidnapped.
More information soon.