Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza, following negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
A US official confirmed the deal, which comes after intense diplomatic efforts to halt the violence in the region.
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According to a source familiar with the discussions, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani played a key role, hosting separate meetings with Hamas and Israeli negotiators to finalize the agreement. “The Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal was reached following these crucial meetings,” the source revealed.
The announcement follows months of failed attempts to end what has been described as the deadliest conflict in Gaza’s history. The breakthrough comes just days before US president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration. Trump, on his Truth Social platform, expressed optimism, stating, “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!”
Hamas initiated the conflict on October 7, 2023, with a large-scale attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities. Currently, 94 hostages remain in Gaza, with 34 reported dead.
In retaliation, Israel launched an extensive military campaign in Gaza, leading to the deaths of 46,707 people, mostly civilians, as reported by Gaza’s health ministry. These figures are considered reliable by the United Nations.
Key sticking points in negotiations
Disputes over the permanence of the ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops, and humanitarian aid to Gaza had stalled previous talks. Meanwhile, the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has vowed to continue providing essential aid, despite facing an imminent Israeli ban on its operations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken commented on the broader implications of the ceasefire, urging Israel to consider uniting Gaza and the West Bank under a reformed Palestinian Authority as part of efforts to achieve lasting peace. He reiterated that normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia could serve as an incentive for peace.
Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Mustafa, speaking from Oslo, emphasized the impact of international pressure, stating, “This agreement proves that holding Israel accountable does pay off.”
