Israel and Hamas reach Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal

Israel and Hamas on Wednesday reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to end a 15-month war in the Gaza Strip that has caused destruction and heightened tensions across the region.

News of the deal sparked jubilant demonstrations in the streets of both Israel and the Gaza enclave late Wednesday local time, killing around 1,200 people in the Jewish state and more than 46,000 in the blockaded Gaza Strip. The stage was set for ending the conflict. , according to statistics from the Israeli and Palestinian Health Authority.

Speaking at the White House, President Joe Biden said the deal would be implemented in three phases and could begin as early as Sunday, January 19.

Israel’s Security Cabinet still needs to vote on the deal before it can be implemented, and Israeli President Isaac Herzog called on the government to “accept and approve the deal” in an address to the nation from the presidential palace. Ta.

Biden said if the deal is approved, the first phase would include a full ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the populated areas of the Gaza enclave.

Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, whose country played a key mediating role throughout the latest negotiations and during brokering the suspension of fighting in November 2023, said: He said the first phase would last 42 days and include talks with Hamas. Release 33 Israeli prisoners captured in the October 7, 2023 attack in exchange for “a large number of prisoners” currently imprisoned in Israel.

This first phase will strengthen the flow of relief supplies and humanitarian aid across the Gaza Strip, as well as rebuild hospitals and health centers and provide vital fuel to the enclave, al-Thani said at a press conference. Ta. Meeting in Doha on Wednesday.

Humanitarian organizations have previously warned of the risk of famine and epidemics in the Gaza Strip as a result of the lack or destruction of food, water and sanitation facilities.

The first phase will also allow Palestinians to return to their homes in the Gaza Strip, many of which have been destroyed in fighting over the past year and a half. The return of civilians will also be accompanied by a surge in humanitarian aid to the enclave, Biden said.

Al Thani said details of the second and third phases of the agreement would be finalized during the implementation of the first phase, and said the United States would maintain a temporary ceasefire if negotiations take more than six weeks. Ta.

Biden said the remaining living hostages would be released during this second phase. Similarly, Israeli forces will withdraw from the remaining areas of Gaza in the meantime, and “the ceasefire will become permanent.”

The final stage of the agreement includes the implementation of the Gaza reconstruction plan.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the proposed agreement is based on the framework laid out by the Biden administration in May.

Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri said the deal was a “huge gain,” Reuters reported.

CNBC has contacted the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office for comment.

of israel defense forces posted a message to X related to the deal, writing, “Wings of Freedom is the name given to the IDF’s preparations for the return of the hostages.”

International leaders and key figures welcomed the ceasefire agreement, highlighted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, another key mediator of ceasefire negotiations, in a Google Translate text. social media posts “In order to face the current catastrophic humanitarian situation without any obstacles, it is important to accelerate the delivery of emergency humanitarian aid to the Gaza population.”

Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations praised the deal It called on “all to facilitate prompt, unhindered, and safe humanitarian relief to all civilians in need,” adding, “Recognizing the serious challenges we will face, I’ll do whatever it takes,” he promised.

French President Emmanuel Macron: “After 15 months of unjust ordeal, it is an immense relief for the people of Gaza and hope for the hostages and their families.” saidAccording to CNBC translation. “We need a political solution.”

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer welcomed It said the country and its allies “remain at the forefront of critical efforts to break the cycle of violence and ensure long-term peace in the Middle East.”

This milestone occurred just days before the inauguration of the next president. President Donald Trump announced on January 20th — this date has become the de facto deadline for mediation, as Trump vowed to pay a “hell of hell” if Hamas does not release Israeli hostages by the time he takes office. are regarded as such.