What is the possible agreement on the Gaza hostages and the ceasefire?

An Israeli delegation is heading to Qatar for indirect talks with Hamas over a possible hostage deal and ceasefire in Gaza, Sky news reports. 

The development comes ahead of a meeting between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump in Washington DC on Monday aimed at pushing forward peace efforts. The US leader has been increasing pressure on the Israeli government and Hamas to secure a permanent ceasefire and an end to the 21-month war in Gaza.

Trump said on social media Tuesday that Israel had agreed "to the terms necessary to finalize" a ceasefire deal.

And Hamas, which runs the coastal Palestinian territory, said Friday that it has responded to the U.S.-backed proposal with a “positive spirit.”
So what is included in the plan?

The plan is for an initial 60-day ceasefire that would include a partial release of hostages held by the militant group in exchange for allowing more humanitarian supplies into Gaza.

The proposed ceasefire calls for talks to end the war completely.

The war in Gaza began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 more hostages. Dozens of hostages have since been released or rescued by Israeli forces, while 50 remain in captivity, including about 30 who Israel believes are dead.

The proposal would reportedly see about half of the living hostages and about half of the dead hostages returned to Israel over 60 days, in five separate releases.

Eight live hostages would be released on the first day and two would be released on the 50th day, according to an Arab diplomat from one of the mediating countries.

Five dead hostages would be returned on the seventh day, another five on the 30th day, and another eight on the 60th day.

That would leave 22 hostages still being held in Gaza, 10 of whom are believed to be alive. It is not clear whether Israel or Hamas will determine who will be released.

Hamas has demanded guarantees that the initial ceasefire will lead to a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.

A Hamas official said Mr. Trump had guaranteed that the ceasefire would be extended beyond 60 days if necessary to reach a peace deal, but there was no confirmation from the US of such a guarantee.