Qatar and the United States announced on Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement had been reached to pause the 15-month-long conflict in Gaza starting Sunday. The deal, which includes a hostage and prisoner exchange, was confirmed after intensive discussions between Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, Hamas acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya, US President Joe Biden, and President-elect Donald Trump.
Although the agreement was confirmed by the key players, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had yet to formally approve it, with officials noting that final details were still being finalized. President Isaac Herzog urged Netanyahu to approve the deal when presented.
Read more: Doha Talks Achieve Breakthrough in Gaza Ceasefire Deal
In a statement, President Biden highlighted that the ceasefire would last for six weeks, allowing for negotiations to potentially end the war permanently. He emphasized that the deal would stop fighting in Gaza, provide vital humanitarian aid to Palestinians, and reunite hostages with their families. Biden added that the ceasefire was the result of months of negotiations and would be largely implemented by the incoming Trump administration.
President Trump, speaking on social media, expressed that this “EPIC ceasefire agreement” would have only been possible due to his election in November, asserting that his administration would always pursue peace and prioritize the safety of Americans and allies.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Al-Thani also confirmed the deal, detailing that it involved a prisoner swap and a ceasefire aimed at reaching a permanent resolution.
Hamas’ acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya addressed the announcement, claiming Israel had failed in its objectives in Gaza and vowing that the group would not forgive or forget the conflict. Biden also suggested the deal could pave the way for an independent Palestinian state and greater regional normalization between Israel and its Arab neighbors.
The agreement follows months of diplomatic efforts by the US, Qatar, and Egypt. The ceasefire will stop fighting, deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, and bring hostages home after more than 15 months of captivity.
The ceasefire was facilitated by senior officials from Egypt, Hamas, Israel, Qatar, and the US. Key negotiators included Mossad head David Barnea, Biden’s Middle East advisor Ronen Bar, Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatari Prime Minister Al-Thani, and Egypt’s Intelligence chief Hassan Rashad.
Al-Thani outlined the agreement’s phases, with the first phase to last 42 days. This phase will include a ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawal from populated areas, the exchange of prisoners, and the return of displaced Gazans to their homes. Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, including women, children, and the elderly, in return for Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, Gaza’s wounded will be allowed to leave for treatment, and aid will enter Gaza for repairs to hospitals and bakeries. Further details of the second and third phases will be determined during the first phase.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes continued on Gaza, with several people killed in attacks on central and southern Gaza. The health ministry reported that 62 people died in the last 24 hours, bringing the total war death toll to 46,707.
