The ceasefire deal ends monthslong effort by the Biden administration|@missfalasteenia|X
Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have agreed on a 42-day ceasefire and the release of hostages after over a year of conflict in Gaza. President Joe Biden and global leaders announced the deal on Wednesday.
Starting Sunday, the ceasefire will include phased releases of hostages by Hamas and prisoners by Israel. The truce, mediated by Qatar, is pending formal approval by the Israeli cabinet.
Key terms of the agreement
In phase one, which is expected to begin Sunday, Hamas will release 33 women, children and older hostages, while Israel will release 1,100 Palestinian prisoners.
Israel must allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, focusing on essential infrastructure such as water and electricity. Gazan civilians must be able to return to their homes, and Israel is to allow them to move between the Northern and Southern parts of the region.
The remaining living hostages will be released in the second phase, which will also see the Israeli forces’ complete exit from Gaza. The third phase would include the return of bodies of deceased hostages and prisoners and the beginning of the Gaza reconstruction.
Celebrations broke out in Gaza as residents expressed relief and hope. President Biden emphasized the diplomatic push behind the deal, calling it essential for peace.
The coming days will see Israel and Hamas discuss the second and third phases in detail to permanently end the war.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 Israelis hostage. Israel’s military responded to the attack by entering Gaza and organizing a military campaign that killed over 46,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
Diplomatic efforts
International aid agencies and UNICEF welcomed the deal, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian relief in Gaza. UNICEF reported that over 14,500 children have died and called for vaccination efforts for 420,000 children under five to prevent disease outbreaks.
The ceasefire deal ends monthslong effort by the Biden administration. In his remark, the president noted, “This deal was developed and negotiated under my administration, but its terms will be implemented, for the most part, by the next administration.”
Meanwhile, President-elect Donald Trump also claimed credit for the deal. He posted on social media, “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November…”
