The United States government seems to be nearing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza to stop offensive operations, facilitate the release of hostages and increase the delivery of humanitarian aid, according to a US official to the journalist David Ignatius from The Washington Post on Thursday.
According to the journalist, the source stated that "the framework is agreed" and negotiations on how to implement the agreement are underway.
The plan, detailed by US officials to Ignatius on Wednesday proposes a three-phase solution to the conflict. Initially, there would be a six-week ceasefire during which Hamas would free 33 Israeli hostages, including all women, men over 50, and the injured. In return, Israel would release “hundreds” of Palestinian prisoners and pull its troops back from densely populated areas to the eastern Gaza border. Humanitarian aid would be allowed in, hospitals would be fixed, and rubble clearance would start.
