Hamas has said it agrees to a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal, according to Al Jazeera Arabic. Mediators have received their approval, but Israel has not yet responded.
Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump announced that a deal has been reached for the hostages held in Gaza. “We have a deal for the hostages,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “They will be released shortly. Thank you!”
The ceasefire is seen as an important step towards ending the 15-month conflict. Trump had earlier warned of “severe consequences” if the hostages were not released. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, worked closely with President Joe Biden’s team to finalize the agreement.
In the latest violence, Israeli airstrikes on Gaza targeted a school used as a shelter and several homes, killing at least 62 people within 24 hours, Palestinian health officials reported.
Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv, demanding a deal to secure the release of captives. In Jerusalem, some hardliners marched, urging the government to continue the war.
Since the war on Gaza began on October 7, 2023, at least 46,707 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities.
In Israel, 1,139 people were killed during Hamas-led attacks on the first day of the conflict, and more than 200 were taken hostage.
So far, no official statement has confirmed the ceasefire or prisoner exchange deal.
