Netanyahu and Biden discuss an immediate cease-fire during their call.

It is said that a deal to free the captives may be reached shortly, according to reports from the area.

Netanyahu and Biden discuss an immediate cease-fire during their call.
Netanyahu and Biden discuss an immediate cease-fire during their call.

On Monday, Hamas announced that a cease-fire in Gaza and a hostage deal may soon be secured, according to their statement.

Our alliance with our patient people is renewed, and we confirm that the release of our prisoners is imminent, following overnight negotiations in Qatar and a Sunday call between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The release deal, initially discussed in May of last year, was endorsed unanimously by the U.N. Security Council during a phone call between the two officials, according to White House officials.

The release of 34 "humanitarian" hostages would initiate the three-stage deal.

hostages
Demonstrators and relatives of hostages taken by Hamas during the militant group's Oct. 7 attack on Israel protest on the National Mall in Washington, DC, US, on Tuesday, July 23, 2024.  (Graeme Sloan/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

According to Al-Arabiya, the initial phase of the ceasefire will span 42 days and entail the removal of Israeli troops from certain regions, enabling locals to return to their dwellings, and an enhancement in humanitarian assistance will be provided.

On the 16th day of the cease-fire, all parties would reportedly start discussing the return of young men and soldiers, and the Israeli forces would withdraw from the Gaza Strip, according to 12 News.

The third stage would focus on steps to establish an alternative government in the Gaza Strip and the rehabilitation of Gaza following more than a year of destruction and fighting.

According to Israel's Channel 12, negotiators have informed Hamas that they must respond to the "final" draft of a hostage-ceasefire deal by midnight Israeli time tonight.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu approving the strikes
President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a phone call on Sunday to discuss the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations, according to the White House. (Planet Chronicle)

According to reports, there are 96 hostages remaining in Hamas' possession after the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks. Out of these, only 50 are believed to be alive, including three Americans. The fate of the deceased hostages is uncertain.

The White House reported that the President discussed the altered regional conditions resulting from the cease-fire agreement in Lebanon, the collapse of the Assad regime in Syria, and the diminishing influence of Iran in the region.

For over a year, the Biden administration, Egypt, and Qatar have been working towards a compromise to free the hostages and end the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Israeli soldier rides in military vehicle
An Israeli soldier rides in a military vehicle near Israel's border with Lebanon in November 2024. (Reuters/Ronen Zvulun)

The negotiations have been divided, with Hamas refusing to release captives unless there is an end to the war, while Netanyahu insists on continuing until "total victory" over the terrorist group.

The immediate need for a cease-fire and the return of hostages, along with an increase in humanitarian aid, has been emphasized by Biden.

Netanyahu has stated that he is only committed to the initial phase, which involves a partial hostage release in exchange for a week-long ceasefire. Meanwhile, Hamas is insisting on a complete withdrawal and an absolute end to the conflict.

Gaza bombed out
Netanyahu said he will not call for an end to the war until a "complete victory" is declared over Hamas. (Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images)

Netanyahu expressed gratitude to Biden for his backing of Israel and America's commitment to Israel's safety and security during the call.

Yaara Litwin contributed to this report.

by Christina Shaw,Caitlin McFall

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