People look at smoke rising over the Gaza Strip while standing in a view point in the Israeli southern city on January 13, 2025 in Sderot, Israel. Monday saw a fresh round of media reports about a phased ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas being in its “final stages.”
Amir Levy Getty Images
Israel and Hamas are on the verge of agreeing to a ceasefire deal that could bring an end to 15 months of war in the Gaza Strip.
The negotiations could result in the return of dozens of Israeli hostages in exchange for a withdrawal of military forces from Gaza and the liberation of hundreds — perhaps even thousands — of Palestinian detainees and prisoners.
Allan Woods is a Paris-based staff reporter for the Star. Hecovers global and national affairs. Follow him on Twitter: @WoodsAllan.