Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire deal to pause the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, multiple officials announced Wednesday, raising the possibility of winding down the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the bitter enemies.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the final details were still being sorted out.
What to know:
When would the deal take effect? Netanyahu’s office said in a statement that it hopes the details would be worked out Wednesday night. The plan still needs approval from Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet, which are likely to approve any proposal he presents.
What happens to the hostages? Nearly 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and Israel’s military believes at least a third are dead. The three-phased agreement would begin with 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.
What does the deal mean for the war? The agreement would bring relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israel’s offensive has reduced large areas to rubble and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine.
Biden says that American hostages in captivity will be released in phase one of the agreement
“The vice president and I cannot wait to welcome them home,” Biden said in remarks at the White House with Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken by his side.
The six-week ceasefire will allow for negotiations to bring about a permanent end to the war, Biden said. He added if negotiations take longer than six weeks the ceasefire would continue as long as talks continue.
Biden noted that his administration negotiated the deal but that Trump’s team will soon be charged with making sure it’s implemented. “For the past few days, we have been speaking as one team,” Biden said.
This story will continue to be updated by the Associated Press here.
