Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire-for-Hostages Deal, Ending 15 Months of Conflict in Gaza

Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire-for-Hostages Deal

After more than a year of intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire-for-hostages deal. The agreement, announced on Wednesday by Qatar's Prime Minister, aims to bring an end to the 15-month conflict in Gaza.

The initial phase of the agreement will last 42 days, during which fighting in Gaza will cease. The Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. Additionally, 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including fuel to restore electricity, will enter Gaza daily.

The agreement also includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners between Israel and Hamas. In the first phase, Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Details of subsequent phases will be revealed later.

Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have pledged to act as guarantors of the ceasefire deal, ensuring its full implementation by both parties. U.S. President Joe Biden called the agreement "one of the toughest negotiations I've ever experienced" and emphasized the goal of ending the war.

The agreement has been welcomed by the United Nations, which has urged all parties to work towards a negotiated two-state solution. Hamas has also hailed the agreement as a victory, while the Israeli government is set to vote on the deal on Thursday.

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an assault on Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 250 hostages. Israel's retaliatory assault on Gaza has resulted in the deaths of more than 46,700 people and widespread destruction.

The ceasefire-for-hostages deal offers a glimmer of hope for an end to the conflict and the suffering it has caused. It remains to be seen whether the agreement will hold and pave the way for a lasting peace.