Israel and Hamas have reached a landmark agreement to pause fighting in Gaza, paving the way for a phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners, Qatar’s prime minister confirmed on Wednesday.
The deal, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, has been welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, who emphasised the urgency of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza and called for progress towards a sustainable two-state solution.
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US President Joe Biden announced the agreement, hailing it as a breakthrough after months of relentless conflict.
Speaking at the White House alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Biden expressed hope for a lasting resolution, stating, “This is a very good afternoon… Fighting in Gaza will stop, and soon, hostages will return home to their families.”
The ceasefire, set to commence on Sunday, will see Hamas release 33 hostages in its initial phase, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. American hostages are also expected to be included, though their condition remains unclear.
Biden confirmed negotiations will move into a second phase aimed at achieving a “permanent end to the war” within six weeks.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani acknowledged the collective efforts of Biden’s administration and the incoming Trump administration in securing the deal.
Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a key role in finalising the agreement alongside Biden’s envoy, Brett McGurk.
In Israel, the mood was one of guarded relief. At Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, families of those kidnapped by Hamas on October 7, 2023, gathered, expressing hope tempered with anxiety.
Arnon Cohen, a resident of Kibbutz Nahal Oz, where several hostages were taken, said, “We are happy for a deal, but we’re anxious to see what happens next. We want everyone back.”
Shahar Biran, another resident, voiced fears that the ceasefire may not hold until all hostages are released. “This is not pure happiness, but it’s a first step,” she said.
Humanitarian aid to Gaza is expected to resume during the ceasefire. President Biden also hinted at a potential phase three, involving the return of remains of hostages who have died and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction.
Egyptian President el-Sisi reiterated the need for stability in the region, emphasising that sustainable peace requires a two-state solution.
As the deal unfolds, families and nations alike wait with bated breath, hoping for a resolution that ends months of bloodshed and uncertainty.
