In the long and eagerly anticipated deal on a truce for Gaza, reports say that Israel now wants Hamas to free 33 hostages being held by this Palestinian militant movement in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian detainees being freed by Israel. The deal brings the much-anticipated steps that lead to a necessary de-escalation of violence in the volatile region.
Details of the deal are still unknown, but sources indicate that regional and international mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, have brokered the talks. If finalized, the deal could pave the way for a temporary ceasefire and further humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
Human rights groups are concerned with the humanitarian situation in Gaza, warning that the problem needs to be solved as soon as possible. For Israel, the priority lies in the release of hostages; for Palestinians, it is prisoners, most of whom have not been tried in court.
As the situation unfolds, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for a breakthrough that could lead to lasting peace in one of the most volatile regions in the world.
