Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages in the first phase of the ceasefire-hostage agreement being negotiated in Doha, according to the media reports. Israel believes most of the 33 hostages are alive, however, some deceased hostages may also be included in the initial release. Both the sides are close to finalising the agreement, and Israel is ready to implement it immediately after it is signed. A diplomat stated that the final round of talks is scheduled for Doha.
The official said, “There is talk of an agreement in the near future–it is impossible to say whether it is a matter of hours or days”. This release would mark the first phase of the agreement as the negotiations are in for the second phase, aimed at ending the war that started on October 7 following the Palestine terrorist group and its allies helped 94 people hostages including at least 34 who are believed to be dead.
According to the report the recent proposals include Israeli forces maintaining a presence along the Philadelphi Corridor at the Egypt-Gaza border during the initial phase. Meanwhile, negotiations over the size of a buffer zone within Gaza, with Hamas requesting a zone between 300 to 500 meters, while Israel is asking for a 2,000-meter zone is underway.
The plan also includes provisions for residents of northern Gaza to return, though security measures remain unclear. Additionally, Palestinian prisoners linked to the deaths of Israelis would not be released in the West Bank but instead relocated to Gaza or other countries, as stated by officials. A breakthrough in negotiations occurred late Sunday during a meeting in Doha between Israeli Mossad Director David Barnea and mediators, according to the media reports.
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