"Israel and Hamas Near Ceasefire Agreement... White House Says 'Working to Finalize Deal' (Comprehensive)"

The Washington Post (WP) reported on the 18th (local time) that Israel, the United States, and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas are close to an agreement to halt hostilities for five days in exchange for the release of dozens of women and children held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

However, a White House spokesperson stated immediately after the report that no agreement has been reached yet.

An Israeli soldier is conducting a ground operation in the Gaza Strip.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

WP cited multiple sources saying that Israel and Hamas are close to agreeing on a temporary ceasefire and the release of dozens of hostages. The release of hostages could begin within the next few days and could lead to the first ceasefire maintained for a certain period in the Gaza Strip.

Earlier, WP reported that Israel and Hamas had reached a provisional agreement, but after the White House's clarification, the article's headline and theme were changed to indicate that negotiations are close to being finalized.

Israel and the United States have been negotiating with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, for the release of about 240 hostages abducted into the Gaza Strip during Hamas's surprise attack on Israel on October 7. Although four hostages?two Americans and two Israelis?have been released, the majority of hostages have not yet been freed.

However, the White House spokesperson reportedly stated shortly after the report that Israel and Hamas have not yet reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire. According to local foreign media, the spokesperson said the U.S. continues to work to achieve an agreement between both sides.

As the war enters its sixth week, with increasing civilian casualties in the Gaza Strip and growing concerns over the safety of hostages held by Hamas, Israel is facing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire or a temporary halt to hostilities.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.