A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza, which has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian casualties and significant destruction. An official involved in the negotiations confirmed the deal on Wednesday. The ceasefire includes a six-week initial phase, with plans for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
The negotiations, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, concluded just before the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Hamas confirmed it had given verbal approval to the agreement and was awaiting additional details for formal written consent.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced he would return from Europe to participate in the government’s vote on the deal, expected to take place by Thursday. The conflict, which escalated after Hamas gunmen launched an attack on October 7, 2023, claimed 1,200 Israeli lives and resulted in the abduction of over 250 hostages.
Israel's military response devastated Gaza, with over 46,000 Palestinians reported killed and large parts of the territory left in ruins. The ceasefire aims to facilitate the return of hostages and begin rebuilding efforts.
President-elect Trump, who emphasized the urgency of the negotiations, warned of severe consequences if the hostages were not released. His Middle East envoy worked closely with the outgoing Biden administration to finalize the agreement.
The ceasefire may alleviate public discontent in Israel regarding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's handling of the October 7 attack, the deadliest day in the country's history. The conflict also drew regional repercussions, with Iran-backed groups targeting Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. Following the assassinations of top leaders from Hamas and Hezbollah, Israel appeared to secure a strategic advantage leading into the agreement.
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