Hamas Approves Phased Ceasefire Deal in Gaza Amid Ongoing Fighting

The militant group Hamas has given its initial approval of a U.S.-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire deal in Gaza, dropping a key demand that Israel commit up front to a complete end to the war, according to a Hamas official and an Egyptian official. The apparent compromise could deliver the first pause in fighting since November and set the stage for further talks on ending a devastating nine months of fighting. The proposal includes a six-week ceasefire, during which older, sick, and female hostages would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. However, all sides caution that a deal is still not guaranteed.

Key Takeaways:

• Hamas has approved a U.S.-backed proposal for a phased ceasefire deal in Gaza, dropping a key demand that Israel commit to a complete end to the war.
• The deal includes a six-week ceasefire, during which older, sick, and female hostages would be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
• Israeli forces would withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza and allow the return of displaced people to their homes in northern Gaza.
• Hamas still wants written guarantees from mediators that Israel will continue to negotiate a permanent ceasefire deal once the first phase goes into effect.
• A senior Hamas official stated that female soldiers would be among those released in the first phase of the deal.
• The third phase of the deal would include the return of any remaining hostages, including bodies of the dead, and the start of a years-long reconstruction project.

Statistics:

• At least 16 people were killed and 50 wounded in an Israeli airstrike on a school-turned-shelter in the Nuseirat refugee camp.
• The war has been ongoing for nine months, with a devastating impact on the Gaza Strip.
• The proposed six-week ceasefire would allow for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the return of displaced people.
• Israel's military said it struck several "terrorists" operating in the area of the school and had tried to lessen the risk to civilians.
• The deal could potentially set the stage for further talks on ending the war.

Sources:

• "Hamas approves initial U.S.-backed proposal for phased Gaza ceasefire deal" by The Associated Press.
• EYAD BABA/AFP via Getty Images (image of a boy running with a sack in the aftermath of Israeli bombardment).