Israel and Hamas reached one-month ceasefire agreement, yet differences persist
Israel and Hamas have agreed on a one-month ceasefire (photo: Getty Images)
Israel and Hamas militants have reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to cease fire for a month and negotiate a new deal for the release of hostages, according to Reuters.
However, sources from the agency note that discrepancies between the parties regarding the implementation of the ceasefire persist.
It is reported that initially, Hamas proposed implementing a ceasefire for several months, but by the end of December, the parties agreed to a one-month pause. According to six sources, militants refused to engage in further negotiations until the next terms of the ceasefire are finalized.
On the other hand, the Israeli government insisted on a phased agreement – a cessation of hostilities during the gradual release of hostages. Hamas, however, demands an agreement for a permanent ceasefire in exchange for the release of detainees. According to some sources, militants fear that the Israeli army will resume military operations once all civilians are freed from captivity.
Israel-Hamas war
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants invaded Israel, capturing hundreds of people during the attack. In response, the Israeli army launched a military operation against the militants in the Gaza Strip.
Earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu outlined 3 conditions for ending the war against the Palestinian militants of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. According to The Wall Street Journal, Israeli forces have reportedly eliminated 20 to 30% of Hamas militants, falling short of Israel's goal to dismantle the group.
Subsequently, during hostage exchange negotiations, Hamas militants released around 120 individuals, and Israel released a group of Palestinian prisoners.
