Washington Post Reports 'Agreement' for Five-Day Ceasefire; Israel and US: No Agreement Yet

On Saturday night, the Washington Post reported, citing some sources, that an 'agreement' had been reached between Israel, the United States, and Hamas for the release of several hostages in exchange for a 'five-day' ceasefire. However, both Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US officials stated that 'no agreement has yet been reached.' According to Reuters, the Washington Post reported that Israel, the United States, and Hamas had reached a tentative agreement for the release of dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza in exchange for a five-day cessation of hostilities. Nevertheless, both Netanyahu and US officials emphasized that 'no agreement has yet been reached.' The newspaper stated that according to individuals familiar with this 'detailed six-page agreement,' the release of hostages could 'begin within the next few days, without any last-minute issues.' This report comes as Israel appears to be preparing to expand its attacks against Hamas militants in southern Gaza. According to the alleged agreement reported by the Washington Post, which has not been confirmed by Israeli or US officials, all parties would halt military operations for at least five days while 50 or more hostages would be released in groups every 24 hours. Hamas took approximately 240 hostages during its October 7 attack inside Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people. A White House spokesperson stated that Israel and Hamas have not yet reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire and added that the United States continues to work towards achieving an agreement. The American newspaper noted that this pause would also allow for the entry of significant humanitarian aid and added that the overall framework of this agreement had been developed over weeks of negotiations in Qatar. However, Netanyahu stated during a press conference on Saturday night: 'Regarding the hostages, there are many unsubstantiated rumors, many incorrect reports. I want to be clear: no agreement has been made so far. But I want to promise: whenever there is something to report, we will inform you.' According to Reuters, a White House spokesperson also stated that Israel and Hamas have not yet reached an agreement on a temporary ceasefire and added that the United States continues to work towards achieving an agreement. A second US official also stated that no agreement has been reached.