"The framework for a hostage and ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is “now in place” according to a senior administration official. That acknowledgement comes on the heels of President Joe Biden’s call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday.
The call came as Israel and Hamas appear to be on the brink of a framework agreement for a deal, an Israeli source familiar with the negotiations has told CNN. Hamas recently provided a response to the framework to Qatari and Egyptian mediators, a move Israeli officials believe will enable the two parties to enter detailed negotiations to reach an agreement. A deal, however, is still not finalized nor is it assured.
Biden laid out the three-phase proposal in a May speech. The first phase would last six weeks and include the “withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated areas of Gaza” and “release of a number of hostages, including women, the elderly, the wounded in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.” Phase 2 would allow for the “exchange for the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers.” In Phase 3, the president said, a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza would commence and any final remains of hostages who’ve been killed will be returned to their families.”
The official noted that the two leaders during their call Thursday seemed to reach a “breakthrough” on the transition from Phase 1 to Phase 2. The deal as it stands now is “very consistent” with what the president had laid out in his May speech"
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