Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza and the release dozens of hostages after more than 15 months of war, Associated Press reported quoting Qatari and Hamas officials.
The deal brings a pause to the fighting between the Israeli Defence Forces and militant group Hamas, bringing the conflict in the Middle East to a halt.
The ceasefire comes shortly after Qatar’s Prime Minister, who was mediating the talks, met separately with Hamas and Israeli delegations resolving the dispute. Qatar PM Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani met with negotiators from Hamas and Israel to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Hamas has said that its delegation has delivered its approval of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement to mediators, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. However, Israel is yet to announce a response to the proposal.
In the last 24 hours, Israeli forces have stepped up attacks on Gaza bombing a school-turned-shelter and several homes across the strip, killing at least 62 people.
What Is The Ceasefire Deal Between Israel And Hamas?
The deal, though not yet officially announced, has outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The deal also includes the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel, according to Reuters.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cut short a visit to Europe and flew back to Israel to take part in security cabinet and government votes on the deal. The voting in Israel is likely to take place on Thursday.
