A breakthrough agreement has been reached to end 15 months of devastating war between Israel and Hamas, U.S. and Qatari officials announced on Wednesday. The phased deal includes a six-week ceasefire, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a prisoner exchange involving hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees in Israel.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the ceasefire would begin Sunday, emphasizing that negotiators are finalizing steps to implement the accord. “This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian aid, and reunite hostages with their families,” U.S. President Joe Biden said in Washington.
Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the announcement, marking a moment of hope in the midst of a severe humanitarian crisis. “I am crying tears of joy,” said Ghada, a displaced mother of five. Similarly, families of Israeli hostages in Tel Aviv expressed relief. “We welcome this agreement with overwhelming joy,” said a statement from a hostage families’ group.
The deal comes after months of mediation led by Egypt and Qatar, supported by the U.S., and days before the Jan. 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi also hailed the agreement.
Phase one of the accord includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages—women, children, and men over 50. Hamas described the agreement as “a great gain,” though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office noted some unresolved items.
The war, which began with a Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, has left over 46,000 Palestinians dead and Gaza in ruins. The death toll continues to rise as displaced civilians endure harsh winter conditions. If implemented successfully, the deal could mark the start of rebuilding and recovery for the war-torn region.
