A deal arranged by the United States between Israel and Hamas to free dozens of women and children being held hostage in Gaza is closer to being struck, according to the Washington Post and other news outlets. The reported agreement would see a five-day pause in the fighting.
According to sources familiar with the deal, both sides would cease combat operations for at least five days while 50 or more hostages would be released. Israeli officials say nearly 240 people were taken hostage during Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack.
The Washington Post reports that overhead surveillance will continue to help enforce the pause in fighting. The U.S.-brokered deal would also allow for significant humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, including fuel which the United Nations said is crucial in getting aid into Gaza.
“Following long weeks of delay, the Israeli Authorities approved only half of the daily minimum requirements of fuel for humanitarian operations in Gaza,” The UNRWA said.
According to the United Nations relief and works agency without the proper amount of fuel:
- People will only have two-thirds of daily clean drinking water needed
- Sewage will continue to flood Gaza increasing risk of disease spreading
- 70% of solid waste will not be removed from Gaza
- Reduced number of aid trucks will cross into Rafah
U.S. Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer told CBS News on Sunday, Nov. 19, that negotiations have “reached a very sensitive stage,” and some areas of disagreement that have prevented a deal in the past have “narrowed.” The Israeli Ambassador to the U.S., Michael Herzog, said he’s hopeful a deal can be made in the “coming days.”
