GAZA CEASEFIRE DEAL YET TO BE FINALIZED, NETANYAHU’S OFFICE SAYS

A ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is yet to be finalized, according to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office. This comes after multiple mediators claimed that both parties had agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of dozens of hostages after over 15 months of war. Netanyahu’s office stated that the final details are still being sorted out, with hopes that the details would be worked out Wednesday night.

The plan, which still needs approval from Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet, proposes a three-phased agreement. The first phase involves the release of 33 women, children, older adults, and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. Soldiers and other male captives would be released in the second phase.

According to humanitarian organization CARE, the ceasefire would bring much-needed relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israel’s offensive has displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine. CARE’s Global Humanitarian Director, Deepmala Mahla, emphasized the need for humanitarian access, saying, “Conditions must be created right now to allow humanitarian organisations to safely carry out their work, quickly reach people wherever they are in Gaza, and massively scale up their operations so we can stem the overwhelming tide of suffering.”

The Qatari prime minister has stated that the deal is expected to take effect on Sunday, but Israel says the details are still in flux. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains hopeful for a peaceful resolution to the conflict.