Israel and Hamas Agree in Principle to Gaza Ceasefire Deal

What Happened?

A draft deal for a ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas has been agreed to in principle on Tuesday, according to reports.

That agreement also reportedly includes the release of dozens of hostages from Hamas held in the Gaza Strip.

Officials told CBS News that if all goes well, a deal will be finalized this week in the final days of President Joe Biden's time in office. Incoming President-elect Donald Trump’s Administration will oversee its implementation.

Why it Matters

The second phase of the agreement would be intended to end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

The Biden administration has been reportedly drafting a detailed 'Day After' plan for when the Israeli military forces withdraw from Gaza.

But the aspirations of that would be up to Trump's team in shaping the future of Gaza post-war and holding Israeli and Hamas leaders accountable to later plan phases.

The United Nations is also reportedly preparing its efforts to expand humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip under a potential ceasefire.

U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters that despite being close to a deal before, things are moving in the right direction this time around.

'I think the pressure is building for Hamas to come to yes, and I think Israel also has achieved a huge amount of its military objectives in Gaza,' Sullivan reportedly said.

The Associated Press released a obtained copy of the proposed deal Tuesday.

If approved, implementation of the agreement could begin this weekend, according to reports.

The developments come after at least 31 Palestinians, including women and children, were reportedly killed by Israeli strikes across Gaza overnight Monday and into Tuesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu planned to hold an urgent meeting Tuesday night surrounding the status of deal discussions, according to reports.

President Biden and Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah El Sisi 'emphasized the urgent need' for a ceasefire deal during a reported call on Tuesday.

Officials said negotiations were nearing a 'breakthrough' after mediators, alongside the reps of Biden and Trump, reportedly participated in Monday's final draft discussions.

During a speech Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that 'it’s closer than it’s ever been before.'

How it Affects You

More than 46,000 Palestinians have been reportedly killed since the war began Oct. 7, 2023.

Out of Gaza's population of 1.9 million people, 90 percent have been reportedly displaced by the Israeli military.

Biden's long-sought deal brings new optimism for an end soon to this 15-month conflict.