Israel and Hamas Reach Agreement on Key Points of Ceasefire: Sources

Israel and the Palestinian Hamas militant group have agreed on the main points of a new agreement regarding a ceasefire and the exchange of hostages. This was reported by the EFE news agency on March 5, citing Palestinian and Egyptian sources.

“Currently, both sides have reached an agreement whereby the ceasefire will last for 40 days, during which 40 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and men over 60 years old, will be released in exchange for the release of 404 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails,” an excerpt from the EFE report, quoted by Interfax, stated.

It is noted that negotiations regarding the transaction are still ongoing in Cairo. Following the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants, 1,200 people were killed in Israel, and around 250 were taken captive. In response, Israel launched military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Some of the hostages were returned during a 7-day humanitarian ceasefire established in November. According to Israel, around 130 hostages still remain with Hamas, of which 99 are believed to be alive.

According to data reported by Gaza's health authorities, the number of casualties from Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip has exceeded 30,500, with around 72,000 injured.