Photo: Amir Levy / Getty Images News / Getty Images
Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages as part of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement being finalized by negotiators in Doha, according to Israeli officials. The hostages, categorized as a humanitarian group, include women, children, men over 55, and the ill. Most are believed to be alive, but the bodies of deceased hostages may also be released during the initial 42-day ceasefire.
The agreement, which is nearing completion, involves maintaining Israeli forces along the Philadelphia Corridor on the Egypt-Gaza border and a buffer zone inside Gaza. Residents of northern Gaza will be allowed to return to the area with certain security arrangements in place. Palestinian prisoners responsible for killing Israelis will not be released into the West Bank but may be sent to Gaza or abroad.
A breakthrough in the talks occurred during a meeting between Israeli intelligence agency Mossad Director David Barnea and mediators in Doha. The deal must pass both the security cabinet and full government cabinet in Israel, with time allowed for opponents to petition the Supreme Court. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire, aimed at ending the war, will begin 16 days after the agreement is signed.
Israel is prepared to implement the deal quickly once it is finalized. Hamas has indicated a positive response, provided key points important to their people are not harmed.
