After 15 months of devastating conflict in the Middle East, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been finalized, according to statements from Donald Trump and international mediators. The deal includes the release of hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack, which claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives.
Key Details of the Agreement
The ceasefire consists of a three-phase plan aimed at addressing both the hostage situation and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Phase One involves a six-week truce, the release of 33 hostages—including women, children, and the elderly—in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza.
Humanitarian aid will be a focal point, with 600 truckloads of supplies entering Gaza daily, 50 of which will carry fuel.
Subsequent phases will focus on the release of additional hostages, further prisoner exchanges, and long-term reconstruction plans for Gaza overseen by international authorities.
Negotiations and Mediation
The agreement was brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. Qatar’s Prime Minister played a critical role in the final stages of negotiation, described as a “final push” for a resolution. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Security Cabinet is expected to approve the plan.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the optimism, unresolved issues, including the timeline for Israeli troop withdrawal, remain potential obstacles. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the urgency of implementing the agreement.
Background
The conflict began on October 7, when Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel, killing civilians and taking hostages. Israel’s military response has resulted in significant casualties, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, more than half of whom were women and children.
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