Israel has agreed to a ceasefire deal with Hamas, as announced by a senior US official on Saturday. This agreement entails a six-week halt to hostilities, contingent upon Hamas's agreement to release the most vulnerable hostages it holds.
"The Israelis have more or less accepted it," stated the administration official, indicating Israel's readiness for the proposed ceasefire. However, the official emphasized that the next move lies with Hamas, awaiting their response to the terms laid out in the agreement.
Negotiators from regional powers have been tirelessly working to secure a truce in Gaza before the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages... the sick, the wounded, elderly, and women," clarified the administration official regarding the terms of the ceasefire.
The United States hopes that any truce will pave the way for a more enduring peace in the region.
The announcement follows a period of intense conflict, with Israel responding to a sudden attack by Hamas on October 7 with a relentless assault on Hamas-controlled Gaza. The conflict has taken a devastating toll on civilians in the region, with more than 30,000 casualties reported by the territory's health ministry.
"The Israelis have more or less accepted it," stated the administration official, indicating Israel's readiness for the proposed ceasefire. However, the official emphasized that the next move lies with Hamas, awaiting their response to the terms laid out in the agreement.
Negotiators from regional powers have been tirelessly working to secure a truce in Gaza before the commencement of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
"It will be a six-week ceasefire in Gaza starting today if Hamas agrees to release the defined category of vulnerable hostages... the sick, the wounded, elderly, and women," clarified the administration official regarding the terms of the ceasefire.
The United States hopes that any truce will pave the way for a more enduring peace in the region.
The announcement follows a period of intense conflict, with Israel responding to a sudden attack by Hamas on October 7 with a relentless assault on Hamas-controlled Gaza. The conflict has taken a devastating toll on civilians in the region, with more than 30,000 casualties reported by the territory's health ministry.
