**Ceasefire Agreement Reached Between Israel and Hamas**
A source close to the negotiations has confirmed that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas. The details of the three-phase plan have not been made public, but it’s reported that 33 hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails during the first six weeks.
The first phase is expected to start immediately, followed by negotiations for the second phase after two weeks. This stage should see the remaining hostages released and a full Israeli troop withdrawal. The third and final stage involves rebuilding Gaza and returning any remaining hostages’ bodies, which could take years.
**Background of the Conflict**
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Since then, over 46,700 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The Gazan population of 2.3 million has been displaced, with widespread destruction and severe shortages of food, medicine, and shelter.
**Current Situation**
Israel says 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 34 presumed dead. Four Israelis were kidnapped before the war, with two having died. The conflict has caused immense suffering for both sides, with a struggle to provide aid to those in need.
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