Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, officials from Hamas and Qatar announced Wednesday, bringing an end to 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza.
The agreement is expected to release dozens of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, marking a significant breakthrough after violence resumed following the expiration of a temporary truce on December 1, 2023.
The ceasefire follows weeks of high-stakes negotiations brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt amid a harsh winter in Gaza and escalating tensions across the Middle East. The region has witnessed widespread devastation, with Gaza’s infrastructure shattered and its population heavily displaced.
While neither Israel nor Hamas has officially announced the deal, sources indicate swift approval is anticipated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to secure support from his security cabinet and the full government.
Israel’s Supreme Court will have 24 hours to review potential appeals, with the ceasefire potentially taking effect as early as Friday. The first hostages are expected to be freed by Sunday.
The truce comes after Israel’s military campaign against Gaza in response to Hamas’ October 7 terrorist attack, which killed 1,200 people and resulted in 250 hostages. A temporary pause in November led to the release of over 100 hostages in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
Health officials in Gaza report over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, most of them civilians, during the conflict. The violence has displaced nearly the entire population of Gaza, leaving millions in dire humanitarian conditions.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions both domestically and internationally. Netanyahu faces criticism from hardline ministers who view the deal as a surrender, while families of hostages have intensified pressure on the government to reach a resolution.
On the global stage, Israel’s military offensive has drawn sharp criticism. In November, the International Criminal Court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu for alleged war crimes.
Humanitarian organizations, including Amnesty International and Doctors Without Borders, have accused Israel of committing genocide, charges the Israeli government has dismissed as false and antisemitic.
The ceasefire comes just days before President-elect Donald Trump is set to take office on January 20. The Biden administration had been pushing for an agreement as part of its final efforts in the region.
Trump, who warned last month that all hell will break loose without a hostage release, has sent his Mideast envoy to assist in negotiations.
