Gaza, Jan 16, (V7N) - After more than 15 months of conflict and stalled negotiations, Israel and Hamas have reached a new agreement, brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, which includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden announced the deal on Wednesday, which marks a significant step in halting the devastating war in Gaza.
 
The agreement includes an initial six-week ceasefire, during which Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. In exchange, Hamas will release hostages, including American citizens, and Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees.
 
Biden confirmed that Americans held by Hamas will be part of the initial release. Seven Americans are currently held by Hamas, with four confirmed dead and three others—Edan Alexander, 20; Keith Siegel, 64; and Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36—believed to be alive.
 
"The road to this deal has not been easy. This is one of the toughest negotiations I’ve ever been a part of," Biden said from the White House, emphasizing that pressure from Israel, supported by the U.S., helped bring Hamas to the negotiating table.
 
The deal, which is expected to unfold in three phases, is set to begin in the next two to three days. The first phase involves the release of 33 civilians and female soldiers held hostage in Gaza. In return, Israel will free up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners and withdraw its forces from Gaza’s city centers, coastal roads, and key areas along the border with Egypt.
 
Biden added that further negotiations for the second phase of the deal will begin after the first 16 days, with the remaining hostages to be freed. At this point, more Israeli troops will withdraw from Gaza, and the temporary ceasefire could be made permanent. The third phase will involve the return of the remains of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza.
 
The war, which began in October 2023, has caused massive casualties and displacement, with more than 46,000 Palestinians reported dead, according to the Hamas-run Ministry of Health. The conflict has also destabilized the broader Middle East, triggering clashes with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, Houthi rebels in Yemen, and escalating tensions with Iran.
 
Biden expressed his relief, stating, "There was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal. I’m deeply satisfied this day has finally come, for the people of Israel and the families waiting in agony, and for the innocent people of Gaza who’ve suffered unimaginable devastation."
 
Former President Donald Trump also commented on the ceasefire deal, suggesting that his election victory was instrumental in the agreement's formation. "This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November," Trump wrote in a social media post.
 
Biden clarified that while the deal was negotiated under his administration, its implementation will largely fall to the next administration. He emphasized the importance of bipartisan coordination, stating, "We’ve been speaking as one team."
 
This ceasefire deal is a critical step towards ending the conflict, but challenges remain in ensuring long-term peace and stability in the region.
 
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