DOHA, QATAR: Palestinians in Gaza celebrated on Wednesday as mediators announced a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, marking the end of 15 months of devastating conflict.
The truce, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, is scheduled to take effect on Sunday, 19 January, and promises a phased cessation of hostilities, hostages’ release, and expanded humanitarian aid.
The agreement comes after months of negotiations in Doha, with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirming the deal’s details.
The six-week truce includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza, with displaced Palestinians allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza.
Hamas is to release 33 Israeli hostages during the first phase, including women, children, and the elderly.
Celebrations erupted across Gaza, where residents have endured severe shortages of food, water, and shelter during the conflict.
In Khan Younis, streets were filled with people waving Palestinian flags and dancing in jubilation.
Celebrations in Gaza right now❤️ pic.twitter.com/DYjXjdHcAA
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) January 15, 2025
Humanitarian crisis persists as aid agencies gear up to expand relief operations in Gaza
However, the humanitarian crisis remains dire, with aid agencies preparing to scale up relief efforts.
Despite the truce announcement, Israeli airstrikes and ground operations continued, with Gaza’s Ministry of Health reporting 30 more fatalities since the agreement’s disclosure.
This brings the total Palestinian death toll to 46,707, with over 110,000 wounded since 7 October 2023.
Meanwhile, Hamas-led attacks on Israel during the conflict’s outset resulted in 1,139 Israeli deaths and over 200 hostages taken.
Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq hailed the deal as meeting all the group’s conditions, including the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced Palestinians, and a permanent end to the war.
In a statement, Hamas described the agreement as “a turning point” for Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their roles in advancing the agreement.
Netanyahu also pledged to visit Washington soon to discuss further steps.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke this evening with US President-elect Donald Trump and thanked him for his assistance in advancing the release of the hostages and for helping Israel bring an end to the suffering of dozens of hostages and their families. pic.twitter.com/nSkK6Emfk8
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) January 15, 2025
While Israel’s security Cabinet is expected to approve the deal, some members of Netanyahu’s coalition, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have expressed opposition.
The truce, if successful, could ease tensions across the Middle East, where the conflict has stoked violence in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, Yemen, and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
US President Joe Biden described the ceasefire as a “turning point” and highlighted the need to alleviate the immense suffering caused by the war.
Ceasefire implementation to occur in three phases, including troop withdrawal and hostage release
The phased agreement will span three stages. Phase one involves the withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.
This stage includes the release of 33 hostages by Hamas, among them two American citizens, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen.
Talks for the second phase are set to begin by the 16th day of the first phase, with discussions expected to focus on the release of remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The third phase will address the return of bodies and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction.
The ceasefire’s announcement coincides with US President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.
Trump took to social media to declare the agreement a result of his administration’s “historic victory” in November.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi also welcomed the deal, emphasising the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza.
While the truce provides a glimmer of hope, obstacles remain.
Families of Israeli hostages have expressed concerns about potential delays in implementation, and violence continues to escalate on the ground.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the importance of prioritising humanitarian relief in Gaza, while international organisations like the Red Cross are preparing to scale up their operations.
I welcome the announcement of a deal to secure a ceasefire & hostage release in Gaza.
I commend the mediators — Egypt, Qatar & the USA — for their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal.
I call on all to uphold their commitments & ensure that this deal is fully implemented.…
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) January 15, 2025
