Gaza Peace Agreement 'In Decisive and Final Stage' with Diplomatic Efforts and Prisoner Release Plans

Gaza Peace Agreement 'In Decisive and Final Stage' with Diplomatic Efforts and Prisoner Release Plans

After months of stalemate, there are indications that Israel and Hamas may reach an agreement to cease hostilities and release prisoners in Gaza, potentially by the end of the year.

According to The Guardian, both sides have recently expressed optimism that the step-by-step release of surviving prisoners in Gaza and the exchange of prisoners between them could be finalized. A senior Palestinian official told the BBC that the negotiations are now "in the decisive and final stage."

On Monday, Israel's Defense Minister Israel Katz told members of parliament that Israel and Hamas "have never been closer to a prisoner release agreement." He added, "I hope this agreement will receive broad support."

In recent weeks, the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have resumed their mediation efforts, and reports suggest that both sides are eager to reach an agreement. Currently, an Israeli delegation is in Qatar, where several diplomatic talks are taking place.

According to the BBC, the Palestinian official presented a three-phase plan, which includes the release of women and children prisoners in Gaza within the first 45 days, followed by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from urban centers, coastal roads, and the Egypt-Gaza border. The final phase would involve the end of the entire conflict.

Currently, there are 96 prisoners in Gaza, 62 of whom Israel believes are likely still alive. However, the plan is not yet finalized, and some key details remain to be discussed.

The issue of Gaza's governance after the war is still unclear. On Tuesday, Katz stated that Israel's military will maintain security control over Gaza, and it will be strengthened after the war.

Since Hamas's historic attack on October 7, nearly 1,200 Israelis have been killed and 253 taken captive. Multiple prisoners have been released, and according to the United Nations, 45,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza so far.