PANews reported on January 16 that according to Reuters, an official familiar with the matter said that Israel and Hamas have officially reached a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which will take effect on January 19. The agreement outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase, which includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza. Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages during this phase, including all women (including soldiers and civilians), children and men over 50 years old. Israel said that Israel will release all Palestinian women and children under the age of 19 detained since October 7, 2023 before the end of the first phase. Negotiations on the second phase of the agreement will start on the 16th day after the start of the first phase, and are expected to include the release of all remaining hostages, including Israeli male soldiers, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli soldiers. The third phase is expected to include the return of all remaining remains and the start of reconstruction work in Gaza under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations.