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Israel, Hamas reach deal meant to end Gaza war, free hostages and prisoners

A man waves Palestinian flags as Palestinians react to news on a ceasefire deal with Israel, in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip, January 15, 2025. REUTERS/Ramadan Abed

Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Gaza Amid Months of Conflict

Phased Deal Outlined
Negotiators have finalized a phased agreement on Wednesday to end the 15-month war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, according to an official briefed on the discussions. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of lives and destabilized the Middle East.

The deal establishes a six-week ceasefire as phase one, during which Israeli forces will begin a gradual withdrawal from the Gaza Strip. This phase includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages—comprising women, children, and men over 50—in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

By the 16th day of the ceasefire, negotiations will commence on phase two, which is expected to address the release of remaining hostages, the implementation of a permanent ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. Phase three will focus on the return of deceased individuals and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

Hamas and Mediators Approve
Hamas has given verbal approval to the agreement and confirmed its willingness to move forward with the ceasefire and hostage exchange. A Palestinian official noted that Hamas is awaiting further details to provide final written approval.

The agreement follows months of mediation led by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support. Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have exerted pressure for a resolution, with Trump’s team participating directly in negotiations to secure the deal ahead of his Jan. 20 inauguration.

Toll of the War
The conflict has caused immense destruction in Gaza, displacing most of the enclave’s 2.3 million residents and killing over 46,000 people, according to the Gaza health ministry. Israeli airstrikes and ground offensives have left the territory in ruins, with displaced individuals enduring harsh winter conditions in temporary shelters.

Challenges of Reconstruction
The successful implementation of the ceasefire will be followed by complex negotiations over Gaza’s future. Key issues include security assurances for Israel and the governance of Gaza post-war. Israel opposes Hamas’ continued control of Gaza but has also resisted involvement by the Palestinian Authority, which governs parts of the West Bank under the Oslo Accords.

Israeli Cabinet to Vote
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar has cut short a diplomatic trip to Europe to participate in government votes on the agreement. A vote is expected by Thursday.

Impact Across the Middle East
The conflict has heightened regional tensions, with Iranian-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen launching attacks on Israel in solidarity with Palestinians. The ceasefire, if implemented successfully, could ease these hostilities and stabilize the broader region.

Trump and Biden’s Roles
President-elect Donald Trump has reiterated the importance of securing a deal before his inauguration, warning of severe consequences if hostages are not released. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, worked in coordination with the Biden administration to finalize the agreement.

Public and Political Reactions
The return of hostages is likely to alleviate domestic criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Oct. 7 attacks, which saw Hamas militants breach security barriers, killing 1,200 people and abducting over 250 hostages.

The agreement comes amid regional tensions, including Iran-backed proxy attacks and Israeli military strikes targeting senior leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, which shifted the balance of power.

Next Steps

The phased deal represents a significant step toward peace, but its success hinges on the effective implementation of each phase and the resolution of broader political and security issues in Gaza.

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