Gaza agreement, truce is close but uncertainty remains over the future of the hostages

Negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Doha: partial release of hostages and suspension of conflict. Netanyahu calls for a continuous solution until the prisoners are fully recovered

An agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in Gaza, the result of intensive talks brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, seems to be a step closer. Although the ceasefire is not yet official, the plan provides for the release, in two stages, of some hostages on both sides, but many crucial points remain open, starting with the duration of the ceasefire itself.

According to the information that has emerged, in the first phase of the cease-fire, which is expected to last 42 days, the release of three civilian women and two Israeli children, Kfir and Ariel Bibas, who were kidnapped more than a year ago, but according to Hamas died in an Israeli bombardment, is planned. In the following week, it will be the turn of five Israeli female soldiers and other vulnerable people, including the elderly and sick, for a total of 33 hostages. The Israeli authorities have not officially confirmed the exact number of hostages, but estimates indicate that most of the captives would still be alive.

Discussions also continue on what will happen in the second and third phases of the agreement. The negotiations are delicate and the Israeli government has not hidden its concern about the future of the agreement. Netanyahu, who has called an emergency meeting with the security leadership, has expressed his readiness for a prolonged ceasefire on the condition that all hostages are released. Despite this, the fact remains that, at least initially, several Israeli prisoners, including 22 live hostages, will remain in the hands of Hamas.

The uncertainty is amplified by the fact that Hamas, while not giving an official answer, has leaked an unofficial yes to the plan, waiting for a move from Israel. The negotiations in Doha continue to be marked by silence and frenzy as the mediators try to speed up the process.

Some of the details of the agreement, such as the absence of a release of terrorists involved in the 7 October massacre or the body of Yahya Sinwar, seem already finalised, but it is unclear when an official conclusion of the understanding will be reached.

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