In a significant development, Hamas, the armed Palestinian group, announced that it is nearing an agreement with Israel to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip, according to Ritzau.
This statement was made by Ismail Haniyeh, the top leader of Hamas' political wing.
Haniyeh revealed that Hamas recently submitted a response to officials in Qatar, where much of the Hamas leadership resides.
Qatar has been playing a mediating role in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas. However, neither Israel nor Hamas has officially confirmed an agreement yet.
Details of the duration of the potential ceasefire or whether prisoner exchanges will be part of the agreement have not been disclosed by Haniyeh.
The American newspaper, Washington Post, reported on Sunday that the parties were approaching an agreement and outlined some details. According to their report, Hamas agreed to release dozens of women and children held captive in exchange for a five-day pause in hostilities.
The pause is intended to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been heavily bombarded following Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7th. Since then, Israel has responded with intensive airstrikes on Gaza. According to Gaza's health authorities, controlled by Hamas, over 13,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the recent conflicts.
This news comes amidst reports that several top officials in Hamas have allegedly amassed vast fortunes and are living luxuriously, far removed from the horrors of war.
Details of the duration of the potential ceasefire or whether prisoner exchanges will be part of the agreement have not been disclosed by Haniyeh.
The American newspaper, Washington Post, reported on Sunday that the parties were approaching an agreement and outlined some details. According to their report, Hamas agreed to release dozens of women and children held captive in exchange for a five-day pause in hostilities.
The pause is intended to allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza, which has been heavily bombarded following Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7th. Since then, Israel has responded with intensive airstrikes on Gaza. According to Gaza's health authorities, controlled by Hamas, over 13,000 Palestinians have lost their lives in the recent conflicts.
This news comes amidst reports that several top officials in Hamas have allegedly amassed vast fortunes and are living luxuriously, far removed from the horrors of war.
