GAZA – Hamas and Israel are reportedly nearing a truce agreement, according to a statement released by Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Telegram.

Haniyeh did not provide specific details about the potential agreement, but a Hamas official told Al Jazeera TV that negotiations are focused on the duration of the ceasefire, arrangements for aid delivery into Gaza, and the exchange of Israeli hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

The official, Issat el Reshiq, added that both sides would release women and children as part of the agreement. Further details are expected to be announced by Qatar, which is mediating the negotiations.

The potential truce comes after Hamas took approximately 240 hostages during its October 7th raid into Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people. Hamas' raid prompted Israel to invade the Palestinian territory in retaliation.

Since the invasion, Gaza's Hamas-run government has reported that at least 13,300 Palestinians have been killed, including at least 5,600 children and 3,550 women. The Israeli military has disputed these figures, stating that the number of Palestinian civilian casualties is significantly lower.

The potential truce agreement represents a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Hamas and Israel. While the details of the agreement remain unclear, it suggests a willingness on both sides to end the violence and seek a peaceful resolution.