US and Qatar Mediation Results in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement, Hamas Accepts Hostage Release Draft

US and Qatar Mediation Results in Gaza Ceasefire Agreement, Hamas Accepts Hostage Release Draft

Cairo — Hamas has accepted a draft agreement for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of many hostages, two officials said on Tuesday. Mediators from the United States and Qatar stated that Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have reached their closest position yet to signing an agreement that could help end the 15-month-long war.

The Associated Press has obtained a copy of the proposed agreement, and both an Iraqi official and a Hamas official have confirmed its authenticity. An Israeli official stated that progress has been made, but the final details are still being worked out. The three officials spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the talks.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a speech on Tuesday, "We believe we will get a ceasefire. It depends on Hamas. It’s closer than ever before. An announcement could come within hours or days."

The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have spent the past year trying to mediate an end to the war and secure the release of many hostages captured during Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. Nearly 100 people are still being held captive in Gaza, and the military believes that at least one-third of them are dead.