Israel and Hamas Reach Historic Deal to End Gaza War and Free Hostages
Negotiators announced on Wednesday a phased agreement to end the 15-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas. The conflict has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives and heightened tensions across the Middle East.
The accord outlines an initial six-week ceasefire phase, which includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
The deal is set to take effect on January 19, as announced by Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani. Qatar, along with Egypt and the United States, played pivotal roles in brokering the agreement.
Phased Implementation of Peace
In the first phase, 33 Israeli hostages—including all women, children, and men over 50—will be released. In return, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners.
Negotiations for the second phase will commence by the 16th day of the initial ceasefire. This phase is expected to include the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The third phase will address the return of all remaining bodies and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction, supervised by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
International Responses and Future Prospects
The agreement comes after months of intermittent negotiations facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with support from the United States. The timing coincides with the upcoming January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.
Outgoing President Joe Biden took credit for the breakthrough, noting that it mirrored a proposal he had initially presented in May.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the deal, urging both sides to seize the opportunity to chart a brighter future for the region. He emphasized the need for implementing a two-state solution, allowing Palestinians to govern themselves in an independent country.
If successfully implemented, the phased ceasefire could halt the fighting that has devastated Gaza, displaced most of its 2.3 million residents, and resulted in a daily rising death toll.
The cessation of hostilities may also alleviate regional tensions, which have been exacerbated by the war, sparking conflicts in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and raising fears of a broader confrontation between Israel and Iran.
Challenges Ahead
Despite the agreement, further negotiations are required to secure a lasting ceasefire and the release of all hostages.
Critical issues remain unresolved, including the governance of post-war Gaza. Israel opposes any role for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, and is also hesitant to accept the Palestinian Authority, which holds limited power in the West Bank, as the governing body.
Rebuilding and Governance
Should the ceasefire hold, stakeholders—including Palestinians, Arab states, and Israel—must collaborate on a vision for Gaza’s future. This endeavor involves ensuring Israel’s security and acquiring billions of dollars for reconstruction.
The reconstruction will be a massive undertaking, given the extensive destruction and the displacement of hundreds of thousands who are enduring winter conditions in temporary shelters.
Regional Impact and Political Repercussions
The conflict began when Hamas-led gunmen breached security barriers on October 7, 2023, attacking Israeli border communities, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 soldiers and civilians, and the abduction of over 250 hostages.
Israel’s subsequent air and ground operations in Gaza have led to the deaths of over 46,000 people, according to Gaza’s health ministry, and have left the enclave in ruins.
As President-elect Trump’s inauguration approaches, he reiterated his demand for a swift resolution, warning of consequences if the hostages were not released by the time he takes office. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, collaborated with President Biden’s team to finalize the agreement.
In Israel, the return of the hostages may alleviate public dissatisfaction toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government over the security lapses that led to the conflict.
The war’s spillover into neighboring countries, with Iranian-backed proxies targeting Israel, underscored the urgency of a resolution.
The deal emerged after Israel eliminated top leaders of Hamas and Lebanon’s Hezbollah in targeted assassinations, gaining strategic advantage.
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Israel and Hamas reach deal to end Gaza war and free hostages
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