Israel and Hamas Near Breakthrough: 60-Day Ceasefire Deal in Sight

After months of relentless conflict and humanitarian crisis, a glimmer of hope is emerging in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas are reportedly closer than ever to finalizing a ceasefire deal that could bring temporary relief to war-weary civilians and pave the way for long-term peace talks.According to international mediators and officials involved in the negotiations, the proposed agreement outlines a 60-day truce, a major prisoner-hostage exchange, increased humanitarian aid, and phased military withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. The deal, supported by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, would allow a two-month truce for humanitarian operations in Gaza. Under the terms, Hamas is expected to release at least 10 Israeli hostages alive and return the remains of others. In exchange, Israel would release a number of Palestinian prisoners, with women and minors prioritized. Additionally, Israeli forces would withdraw from densely populated areas and reposition to buffer zones monitored by international observers. A humanitarian corridor would also be opened to enable the delivery of food, water, fuel, and medical supplies to the most affected communities in Gaza.U.S. President Donald Trump has invited Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Washington this week to finalize the terms of the agreement. This diplomatic engagement is seen as critical to securing the deal, with behind-the-scenes negotiations ongoing in Doha and Cairo. While both parties are cautiously optimistic, core issues such as Hamas’s role in Gaza’s future governance and full Israeli troop withdrawal remain unresolved.The urgency of the situation cannot be overstated. Gaza’s humanitarian conditions are deteriorating rapidly, with widespread power outages, collapsing health infrastructure, severe food insecurity, and rising civilian casualties. International aid agencies have issued repeated warnings, stressing that any further delay could lead to irreversible harm.Although the path to lasting peace is uncertain, the proposed ceasefire offers a vital opportunity to reduce suffering and restore a degree of stability to the region. With key global and regional powers now fully engaged, the coming days may prove decisive in shaping the next phase of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.