Truce deal is reportedly being negotiated by Hamas, with no comment yet from Israel

Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of Hamas, has informed news outlets that the group is “close to reaching a truce agreement”. Israel has not provided an update.

Al Jazeera and AFP report that under the terms of the agreement, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Hamas releasing civilian captives.

Prior to this, US President Joe Biden had hinted that a deal involving Hamas freeing prisoners from Gaza in exchange for ceasefires could be reached soon.

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The International Committee of the Red Cross, whose chairman is meeting with Hamas, has further heightened hopes after aiding in the facilitation of past agreements.

The director of Gaza’s Indonesian Hospital told the BBC that there is still “intermittent shooting” at the facility, where 500 patients are still being treated. According to Gaza’s health ministry, which is managed by Hamas, 13,300 Palestinians have died in the region since Israel began its war.

After Hamas militants crossed the border on October 7 and killed 1,200 Israelis while holding over 200 others captive, Israel launched an attack on Gaza.