News Brief
Israel and Hamas Agree To Ceasefire: Withdrawal Of Troops, Release Of Hostages Freed, Gaza Reconstruction Planned
An Israeli Merkava tank near Gaza Strip. (THOMAS COEX/AFP/Getty)
US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (15 January) announced that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant step toward ending the conflict in Gaza.
The deal includes the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory and the release of hostages captured during the October 2023 attack by Hamas.
"Today, after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal. This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity," Biden told media persons at the White House late Wednesday, India Today reported.
The initial six-week agreement, set to commence on 19 January, outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
It also includes the exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
President Biden said that the ceasefire agreement consists of a six-week preliminary phase, during which Israeli troops will systematically withdraw from Gaza.
This phase also includes a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners. The agreement has been structured into three distinct phases.
The outgoing US President confirmed that the United States would assist in facilitating the release of hostages during the first phase of the agreement.
"During the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get (to) phase two, which is a permanent end to the war," he said.
As part of the agreement, Israel will permit injured Palestinians to exit Gaza for medical treatment and will reopen the Rafah crossing with Egypt one week after the first phase begins.
While the second and third phases have been agreed upon in principle, their specifics will be negotiated during the first phase.
US President Biden assured that the ceasefire would remain in effect even if discussions for the subsequent phases exceed the initial six-week timeline.
In the second phase, contingent upon agreed conditions, Hamas will release all remaining captives, including male soldiers, in exchange for the release of additional Palestinian prisoners.
Israel is expected to initiate a complete withdrawal from Gaza during this stage.
The third phase involves Hamas returning the bodies of deceased captives.
"This deal was developed and negotiated by my administration, but its terms will be implemented, for the most part, by the next administration. For the past few days, we have been speaking as one team," Biden said.
The truce follows months of negotiation efforts led by Egypt and Qatar with substantial support from the United States.
Notably, the agreement was finalised just days before US President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
According to news agency Reuters, Hamas confirmed through its delegation that it had forwarded approval for the ceasefire deal and release of hostages.
Hamas described the ceasefire agreement as "an achievement for our people" and "a turning point" in a statement shared on social media.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to both President Biden and President-elect Trump for facilitating the agreement.
Netanyahu also announced plans to visit Washington in the near future.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced he was cutting short a European visit to return to Israel, ensuring his presence for security cabinet discussions and government votes on the ceasefire agreement with Hamas.
The Israeli offensive in Gaza followed a Hamas-led terror attack on Israeli communities on 7 October 2023. During the attack, terrorists breached security barriers, killing approximately 12,00 soldiers and civilians and capturing around 250 hostages.
According to the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, over 46,000 people have lost their lives since October 2023 during Israel’s campaign in Gaza.
Additionally, hundreds of thousands have been displaced, now living in tents and temporary shelters.
US President-elect Donald Trump had demanded the Israel-Hamas truce be pulled off as quickly as possible, clubbed with a warning that there would be "hell to pay" if the hostages were not returned.
Trump's Middle East Ambassador Steve Witkoff held extensive talks and worked closely with outgoing President Joe Biden to get done with the deal.
