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Israel-Hamas ceasefire: 2 Americans expected to be released by Hamas in first phase of deal 

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Israel-Hamas ceasefire: 2 Americans expected to be released by Hamas in first phase of deal 

The ceasefire deal will be implemented in three phases over several weeks.

Biden, who described the talks as “one of the toughest negotiations” he has ever experienced, said the agreement’s first phase will take more than six weeks as Hamas releases hostages, including women, the elderly and the wounded.

The first phase would also bring the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody and the repopulation of certain areas of Gaza. Hundreds of trucks of humanitarian aid would also be sent into Gaza daily.

“During the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get phase two, which is a permanent end of the war,” Biden said.

Biden vowed that even if the negotiations for a permanent end take longer than a month and a half, both parties would hold to a ceasefire, with leaders in the Middle East committed to keep those negotiations moving forward.

Phase two would include an exchange of remaining living hostages, including male soldiers. Remaining Israeli forces would be withdrawn from Gaza, Biden said. Earlier, documents released by senior Hamas officials said Israeli troops would withdraw to Gaza’s “perimeter.”

During phase three, the remains of dead hostages would be returned home and reconstruction plans for Gaza would begin.

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