Ceasefire Agreement Reached Between Israel and Hamas After 15 Months of Conflict
After fifteen months of intense warfare in the Gaza Strip, a significant breakthrough has been achieved as Israel and the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and the release of 33 hostages. The announcement was made by Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani on Wednesday evening, following negotiations that occurred in Doha over several days.
The ceasefire, set to commence this coming Sunday, is expected to last for an initial period of six weeks, with discussions centered on establishing a more permanent resolution to the ongoing conflict. US President Joe Biden reinforced the importance of this agreement, acknowledging it as a triumph for the people of Gaza who have endured immense suffering.
In his remarks, President Biden stated, "We did not give up," referring to the arduous negotiations that spanned the past year. The terms of the agreement dictate that Hamas will initially release women, children, and elderly hostages. Reports have already provided insights into the specific details of the arrangement. For each civilian hostage released by Hamas, Israel will free 30 Palestinian prisoners. In cases involving female Israeli soldiers, the ratio increases to 50 Palestinian prisoners per soldier.
Negotiations regarding the potential release of the remaining hostages, believed to be around 98, including Israeli soldiers, will continue over the coming weeks. Additionally, the agreement entails a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military forces from the Gaza Strip, which will also be a focal point of future discussions.
Prime Minister Al-Thani emphasized that the specifics of the agreement are still being finalized and are expected to be disclosed in the near future. Moreover, it has been agreed that humanitarian aid will be delivered extensively in Gaza, alongside the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
Former President Donald Trump, while not in office, applied considerable pressure towards reaching this agreement, urging both sides to finalize terms before his inauguration on January 20. His future Middle East envoy participated in discussions alongside representatives from the Biden administration. Al-Thani noted the collaborative efforts of both administrations as pivotal to the attained success in negotiations.
Both Hamas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared to face increasing pressure to conclude the negotiations amid heightened tensions. Reports indicate that members of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition expressed their discontent with the halt in military action. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir indicated on Tuesday that he would withdraw from the coalition if fighting in Gaza ceased.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar truncated his European trip to return to Israel and participate in a crucial security cabinet meeting. Reports surfaced suggesting that the cabinet was likely to approve the proposal, yet the agreement presents a substantial test for Israel's government.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres hailed the expected ceasefire as encouraging and expressed that this agreement could foster cautious optimism for the year 2025.
Celebrations erupted in Khan Younis, Gaza, as residents marked the anticipated ceasefire with gatherings in the darkness, illuminating the night with flashlights. The conflict has wrought considerable devastation upon the coastal enclave, severely impacting power and water supplies. According to Palestinian sources, the war has resulted in the deaths of more than 46,000 individuals since October 7, 2023, the day the conflict commenced with a terror attack that claimed over 1,200 lives and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza.
In Tel Aviv, families of the hostages came together in solidarity, awaiting the release of their loved ones, while the Israeli army made preparations for the anticipated reception of the hostages. The unfolding events mark a pivotal moment in a protracted and devastating conflict that has claimed countless lives and left extensive destruction in its wake.
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