In a major diplomatic breakthrough after 15 months of conflict, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, brokered by Qatar and the United States. The agreement, set to begin on Sunday pending Israeli cabinet approval, aims to halt hostilities and deliver critical humanitarian aid to Gaza.
US President Joe Biden lauded the deal, saying it would “halt the fighting in Gaza, surge humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed appreciation for President Biden’s involvement, while Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya credited Palestinian resilience for achieving the agreement.
Despite the announcement, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, with over 20 reported casualties, including 12 in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. The Israeli military has yet to comment on these strikes.
The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a full-scale military campaign in Gaza. The Hamas-run health ministry reports more than 46,700 Palestinian deaths, with Gaza facing severe humanitarian crises affecting its 2.3 million residents.
Israel reports that 94 hostages remain in Hamas captivity, with 34 presumed dead. Four Israelis taken before the war also remain unaccounted for.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
The initial six-week phase will see Hamas release 33 hostages—mainly women, children, and the elderly—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated Gaza areas, enabling displaced Palestinians to return home. Hundreds of aid trucks will be allowed into Gaza daily.
Negotiations for the second phase, focusing on the release of remaining hostages and complete Israeli troop withdrawal, will begin on the 16th day. A third phase will address Gaza’s reconstruction and the return of deceased hostages’ remains.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani emphasized that a clear process for the subsequent phases would soon be disclosed. Qatar, Egypt, and the US will oversee the agreement’s enforcement. “We hope this will be the last page of the war,” Sheikh Mohammed stated.
Global and Domestic Reactions
President Biden credited the deal to continuous diplomacy and changing regional dynamics. He also acknowledged President-elect Donald Trump’s behind-the-scenes pressure to prioritize hostage releases. Trump announced the deal first on social media, calling it an “epic” achievement.
Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked both Biden and Trump, affirming his dedication to freeing all hostages. Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the deal a challenging but necessary move.
However, Netanyahu faces opposition from far-right coalition members concerned over the release of Palestinian prisoners, some convicted of severe crimes. Israeli victims’ families will have 48 hours to appeal the prisoner release list once it’s published.
Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya described the deal as a “milestone” in the Palestinian struggle but vowed never to forgive Gaza’s suffering.
Mixed Reactions on the Ground
In Gaza, celebrations broke out as residents waved Palestinian flags and expressed relief. Sanabel, a 17-year-old in Gaza City, said, “Finally, I will put my head on my pillow without worrying. It is time to heal.”
In Tel Aviv, Israelis supporting hostage families welcomed the news but remained anxious about the fate of remaining captives. Sharone Lifschitz, whose elderly father is still held hostage, voiced cautious hope: “Miracles do happen. My mum came back, and one way or another, we will know if my dad is still with us.”
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres urged both sides to alleviate civilian suffering and work toward lasting peace.
A Pivotal Moment Ahead
As the Israeli cabinet readies to vote on the agreement, the global community watches closely. If implemented successfully, this deal could signify a turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, opening a pathway toward peace and Gaza’s recovery.