Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement, American and Israeli officials announced on Wednesday, bringing an end to the 15-month conflict that has claimed the lives of thousands. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that the deal has not been finalized and remains in flux until the details of the agreement have been worked out, but mediators close to the situation have expressed optimism that the negotiations will result in an end of the hostilities.
“Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal,” US President Joe Biden said in a statement. “My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”
Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.
My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done – I will speak more about this soon. pic.twitter.com/iETWhGXEGA
— President Biden (@POTUS) January 15, 2025
During remarks at the White House announcing the agreement, Biden explained that the six-week ceasefire will lead to a permanent end to the war, with the peace deal set to last as long as necessary. He also clarified that his administration and the incoming Trump team have “been working as one” to mediate the negotiations.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” Presdient-elect Donald Trump wrote on Truth Social. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
According to the Jerusalem Post, the ceasefire will unfold in three phases, with the first leading to the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attacks. These are expected to include women, children, and men over 50. Some of the hostages included in this group are believed to already be dead, meaning their bodies will be surrendered alongside the living hostages.
In return, the Israel Defense Force will withdraw to a still-to-be-determined security perimeter, and Israel will release Palestinian prisoners and increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Details of stages two and three will be worked out during the 42 days allotted for the first stage.
Members of the Israeli cabinet will meet to review the terms of the agreement within hours, and are expected to support any ceasefire deal Netanyahu presents to them.
The brutal conflict in Gaza has raged since October 2023, when Hamas gunmen conducted a coordinated raid into Israeli territory, killing nearly 1,200 people and taking over 200 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes against Hamas in Gaza have led to the deaths of an estimated 46,000 people, most of them civilians caught in the crossfire.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to VT.com for further updates.
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