In a major development late Wednesday, Hamas and a coalition of Palestinian factions announced they have reached agreement in principle on a ceasefire framework with Israel, signaling a potential end to the recent escalation of hostilities in Gaza. Negotiators say the agreement outlines a phased approach tying hostage exchanges to military disengagement, though the precise timelines and enforcement mechanisms are still subject to finalization by mediators.
The deal reportedly hinges on the simultaneous release of Israeli captives held in Gaza in return for the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with each tranche of prisoner exchange linked to Israel’s staged withdrawal from contested zones. Hamas officials emphasize that all terms remain contingent on Israel’s adherence to the negotiated conditions; they warn that conceding too much too soon would strip them of leverage.
While Hamas’s public acknowledgment of agreement remains pending, sources close to the talks maintain that the Palestinian negotiators were unanimous in accepting the framework and are now focused on ironing out details with mediators. Official confirmation from the Israeli side has yet to come.
Regional mediators — including diplomats from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States — are expected to convene to supervise the formal adoption of the framework. If ratified and upheld, the agreement would mark a turning point in a conflict marked by repeated breakdowns in ceasefires and a cycle of punitive escalation.