A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is “closer than it’s ever been”, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday, though far-right Israeli ministers threaten to block the deal.
The proposed agreement would secure the release of 33 hostages from Gaza in its first phase and see the complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the enclave, according to an Israeli official familiar with the negotiations.
Far-right minister Ben Gvir has claimed responsibility for blocking previous ceasefire attempts over the past year and is now urging Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to join him in opposing the new agreement.
The initial phase of the deal would last up to 60 days and prioritise the release of children, women – including some female soldiers – men over 50, and those requiring medical attention.
Negotiations for a second phase would commence on day 16 if the first stage proceeds as planned, mediators said.
More than 830 Israeli soldiers have been killed in the conflict since October 7, according to military figures.
Israel has killed at least 46,645 Palestinians, with more than 102,000 wounded, since the October 7 attack by Hamas. It has also killed around 3,000 in Lebanon and Syria, while around 3 million people have been displaced from their homes as a result of the war.
Experts, governments, United Nations agencies, and non-governmental organisations have accused Israel of carrying out genocide against the Palestinian people.
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