An agreement has been reached for the release of hostages in the context of the Israel-Hamas cease-fire.

A cease-fire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, with the release of hostages included, as confirmed by Planet Chronicle.

A ceasefire and hostage release agreement was reached after the Qatari Prime Minister met with Hamas negotiators, and Israeli negotiators were also present in his office, according to a source who spoke to Planet Chronicle.

A Hamas official confirmed to Planet Chronicle that a deal was reached.

Over 1,200 Israelis have been killed and more than 250 taken hostage since the conflict began with Hamas' attacks on October 7, 2023, resulting in thousands of deaths on both sides.

The deal, facilitated by Egyptian intermediaries and brokered by Qatari negotiators, was significantly influenced by the United States. Despite concerns about Hamas rearming and internal tensions within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration applied strategic pressure to finalize the agreement.

According to sources, a meeting between Netanyahu and Steve Witkoff, President-elect Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, resulted in a breakthrough. Witkoff's assurances reportedly convinced Netanyahu to accept the deal, despite threats from a right-wing party to withdraw from the coalition if it passed.

The agreement stipulates that three hostages will be released on the first day, followed by weekly batches. Initially, women, children, and men over 50 will be prioritized, with younger men in humanitarian cases included later. Updates on hostages’ statuses will alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who did not survive captivity.

The successful execution of the operation requires extensive coordination among various entities, including the IDF, Shin Bet, Israeli Police, Ministry of Health, International Red Cross, and Egyptian authorities. Over the course of 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released. The initial stages will prioritize the release of civilian women, children, and female soldiers. The final hostage in this group will be released on the 42nd day.

HAMAS HAS ACCEPTED DRAFT AGREEMENT FOR GAZA CEASE-FIRE, HOSTAGE RELEASE: OFFICIALS

On the 16th day, the second phase of the deal will commence, focusing on the release of young men, soldiers, and the return of remains. Netanyahu assured hostage families that every captive has been accounted for in the agreement. Approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed, with murder convicts excluded from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they will be relocated to Gaza, Qatar, or Turkey.

The cease-fire will enable significant humanitarian aid to Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will manage vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings will not require checks. The IDF will withdraw from the Nitzarim corridor but maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphi Route.

Although information about the hostages' conditions is limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Before each release stage, Israel will receive updated information on their identities and health statuses. The International Red Cross will oversee their transfer from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while addressing logistical challenges such as crowd control.

Hostages will undergo identity verification and initial questioning by Shin Bet and the IDF upon entering Israel. Medical teams will provide immediate care, and those requiring further treatment will be airlifted to hospitals. After receiving necessary care, hostages will be reunited with their families.

Israel's security forces are preparing for different scenarios to ensure the successful completion of the operation while maintaining stability. The upcoming weeks will be characterized by tension and emotion as families and the nation eagerly await the return of those held captive, including seven Americans, in this ongoing conflict.