Israel and Hamas have reached a historic ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the devastating conflict in Gaza and securing the release of remaining hostages, in a breakthrough that raises hopes for ending one of the deadliest rounds of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The agreement, announced just days before Donald Trump is set to assume office as the President of the United States, comes after heightened diplomatic pressure. Trump’s stern warning that there would be “all hell to pay” if the hostages were not released before his inauguration injected fresh urgency into the previously stalled negotiations.
On his Truth Social platform, Trump declared, “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY.” He further emphasized that his national security team would continue working with Israel and its allies to prevent Gaza from becoming a “terrorist safe haven.”
The breakthrough was reportedly finalized following intense negotiations in Doha, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani playing a pivotal role. Separate meetings with both Hamas and Israeli negotiators ultimately yielded the multiphase deal, which Israel’s government is set to vote on. While far-right ministers, including national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have voiced opposition, they are unlikely to block its approval.
The agreement unfolds in three phases. The first phase involves a 42-day truce, during which 33 Israeli hostages, including children, female prisoners, the sick, and elderly, will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Additionally, there will be a significant increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
By the 16th day of the truce, both parties will begin negotiating the second phase, focusing on the release of the remaining hostages, including male soldiers, in exchange for the release of more Palestinian prisoners.
The final phase aims to return the bodies of hostages who perished during the conflict and initiate Gaza’s reconstruction, to be overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
In Gaza’s Maghazi refugee camp, Abu Shukri, a local community organizer, described scenes of both relief and sorrow as the news broke. “We thank God,” he said. “But we have given our children. We gave our parents.”
The conflict, which ignited following Hamas’s deadly October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1,200 people and led to the capture of 250 hostages, has reshaped the region’s dynamics. Israel’s retaliatory offensive, which has claimed over 46,000 lives according to Palestinian health officials, has devastated Gaza and triggered a humanitarian crisis.
The violence also expanded beyond Gaza. Iranian-backed groups, including Hizbollah, launched attacks on Israel, prompting Israel to respond with missile strikes on Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen, while exchanging direct fire with Iran for the first time.
This ceasefire deal represents a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict. However, its success will depend on sustained diplomatic efforts and adherence to the outlined phases, which seek both the safe return of hostages and long-term stability in the region.
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