An Arab diplomatic source revealed that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is likely to be announced around the time of US President-Elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. The first phase includes the release of 34 hostages, with Israeli forces staying in the Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors while withdrawing from other parts of Gaza, according to a Hamas source.
Displaced Gazans will be allowed to return, and the Rafah crossing will open on the seventh day for severe humanitarian cases. For every humanitarian hostage released, including women, the sick, and elderly, 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed. Female soldiers will be exchanged for prisoners serving life sentences.
Israel has blocked the release of 100 top terrorist prisoners, while senior prisoners freed will be deported to Turkey or Qatar. The phased deal will see further negotiations after the 16th day of the ceasefire, with Hamas agreeing not to administer Gaza following the truce. The breakthrough reportedly resulted from Israel’s demonstration of seriousness in the past few days.