War on Gaza: Israel close to ceasefire agreement with Hamas as death toll hits 13,000

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has said, “We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” in a post on Telegram. 

Negotiators have been working to seal a deal to allow the release of about 240 mostly Israeli captives seized on October 7 and a ceasefire in Gaza where more than 13,000 people have been killed in Israeli attacks.   

The release of some of the Palestinians, including women and children, in Israeli prisons is also reportedly being discussed.

Intense negotiations mediated by Qatar have been under way. Qatar’s prime minister said on Sunday that a deal to free some of the captives in return for a temporary ceasefire hinged on “minor” practical issues. 

On Monday, US President Biden said he believed a deal to free the captives was close. 

“I believe so,” Biden said when asked whether a captive deal was near, crossing his fingers to signal he hoped for good luck. 

Top Hamas official, Izzat al-Rishq has told Al Jazeera that the details of the truce include:  a ceasefire, arrangements for aid trucks to supply all areas in Gaza, and the transfer of the injured to other countries for treatment. 

“It will also include a captives’ exchange deal to release the Palestinian women and children in Israeli prisons for Israeli women and children. 

“We have sent our response to [mediators] in Qatar and they will then announce the agreement. 

“The talks have been going on for weeks; Netanyahu was stalling. 

“This deal was agreed upon by all the brigades in the Palestinian resistance,” he added. (Al Jazeera)