Netanyahu's Office Confirms Ceasefire Deal Not Finalised, Details Still Being Worked Out

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has stated that a ceasefire deal with Hamas has not yet been finalized, with some details still being negotiated. This comes despite reports from multiple mediators indicating that Israel and Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, along with the release of dozens of hostages after 15 months of conflict.

In Gaza, particularly in the southern city of Khan Younis, large crowds of Palestinians have gathered to celebrate, cheering and honking car horns, hopeful that the ceasefire would finally bring an end to the devastating war.

The ongoing conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants infiltrated southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and abducting around 250 hostages. To date, more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, with women and children accounting for more than half of the fatalities, according to Gaza's health ministry. The situation remains dire, with the final details of the ceasefire still being worked out, and Israel's government hoping to finalize the agreement soon.

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the devastating war in Gaza, multiple officials confirmed on Wednesday. This development raises hopes of ending the deadliest and most destructive conflict between the two adversaries.

The deal, which followed weeks of intense negotiations in Qatar's capital, includes phased releases of hostages held by Hamas, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, and provisions for the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals to their homes. Additionally, the agreement promises a surge of humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been severely impacted by the 15-month-long war.

Three U.S. officials and one Hamas official confirmed the deal, while the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that final details were still being finalized.

All sources spoke on the condition of anonymity prior to the official announcement by mediators in Doha. Netanyahu's office expressed hope that the remaining details would be resolved that evening, noting that the deal would require approval from Netanyahu's Cabinet.