Cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas imminent

Palestinian terrorist group Hamas has approved a final draft of the cease-fire agreement with Israel, reported the Qatari channel Al-Araby al-Jadeed, which cited sources close to the negotiations.

According to a report by the Associated Press news agency, an Israeli official noted that while progress had been made, final details were still under discussion.

According to Israeli media, the Jewish state maintained that it has yet to receive an official response from Hamas.

In fact, the terrorist group claimed in an official statement that progress in negotiations is in its final stages, but did not confirm the information provided by Al-Araby al-Jadeed.

The Israeli newspaper Ynet reported that in Israel they estimate that Hamas' response was delayed due to communication difficulties and a lack of consensus within its leadership, although the terror group has apparently finally decided to approve the draft agreement.

"This is the closest point we have been to a deal over the past months"

Majed Al Ansari, spokesman for the Foreign Ministry of Qatar, one of the mediating countries along with Egypt and the United States, said the negotiations were in the final stages. "We remain hopeful that these negotiations will soon lead to a decisive agreement, bringing much-needed relief and peace to all," said the official from the Arab country, which despite mediating the negotiations is also accused of supporting Islamist terrorism.

Al Ansari also thanked current U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their collaboration in the negotiations.

"We appreciate the support of the Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration, significant progress has been made in resolving issues between Hamas and Israel during the talks in Doha. These efforts mark a crucial step toward lasting peace," the Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman maintained.

Al Ansari added: "We have overcome the major differences. This is the closest point we have been to a deal over the past months."

What does the draft agreement outline?

According to the draft, the agreement is to be implemented in three phases. The first includes the release by Hamas of 33 hostages, including women, soldiers, civilians, children, the sick and adults over 50 years of age, in exchange for hundreds Palestinian terrorists who are imprisoned in Israel and a gradual withdrawal of the Jewish state's forces from the Gaza Strip.

In addition, the agreement obliges Israel to allow northern Gaza residents to return to their homes after going through an inspection.

After 16 days, negotiations will begin on the next phases, during which Hamas would release all live abductees and a permanent ceasefire would come into effect.