Key Points of the New Israel-Hamas Gaza Ceasefire Deal
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal following indirect talks in Egypt. Here are the key points of the agreement: Hostage and Prisoner Swap: Hamas will release 20 living hostages in the first phase. Israel will release nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences. Humanitarian Aid and Troop Withdrawal: A minimum of 400 aid trucks will enter Gaza daily. Displaced persons can return to northern Gaza. The deal includes a "scheduled withdrawal" of Israeli troops. What Happens Next?The deal is pending formal approval by the Israeli cabinet. If approved, a 72-hour countdown for the first phase will begin. Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire are set to start immediately after. The agreement is based on a US-backed peace plan, but key long-term issues, like the future governance of Gaza and Hamas's disarmament, remain unresolved.