Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire agreement after 15-month conflict

Doha: A ceasefire agreement has been brokered between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential end to the conflict that has lasted over 15 months. The deal, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is currently being finalized, as announced by Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during remarks in Doha on Wednesday. The Israeli government is expected to review and approve the agreement.

The ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday, initiating a six-week first phase that will see the withdrawal of some Israeli forces to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza and the release of 33 hostages, prioritizing women, children, and the elderly. A reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners is also included in the initial phase.

According to the Hamas delegation in Doha, the agreement outlines the staged withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip, including the Philadelphi corridor, and the exchange of 33 Israeli prisoners for 1,000 Palestinian prisoners. Further negotiations are planned to address the release of remaining hostages.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office acknowledged progress on resolving issues regarding the Philadelphi corridor but noted that several “unresolved clauses” remain. Israel’s security cabinet is scheduled to convene on Thursday to finalize the deal.

The agreement also includes provisions for the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow international aid into Gaza, as confirmed by an Egyptian security source. Qatar’s Prime Minister stated that subsequent phases of the agreement would focus on the permanent cessation of hostilities and the reconstruction of Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden affirmed that the second phase would involve the release of remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, while the third phase would include the return of the remains of deceased hostages and the initiation of a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. Biden emphasized that mediating countries are committed to ensuring the successful implementation of the agreement.

The United Nations has expressed readiness to support the ceasefire and scale up humanitarian aid delivery, according to U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres.

Over the course of the conflict, more than 46,000 people have been killed and almost 110,000 injured in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry. Among the casualties are over 14,000 children and 8,000 women. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the elimination of more than 15,000 combatants following a Hamas terrorist attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and 253 hostages taken.

A previous ceasefire in November 2023 saw Hamas release over 100 hostages in exchange for more than 200 Palestinian prisoners. Current negotiations indicate that 94 abductees remain in Gaza, with 34 confirmed deceased.

Celebrations erupted across Gaza and Israel following the announcement of the ceasefire and hostage agreement. President Biden highlighted the extensive diplomatic efforts by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in reaching the deal.

President-elect Donald Trump also announced the agreement on social media, crediting his administration’s role in the ceasefire. His special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work with Israel and U.S. allies to ensure long-term stability in Gaza.