Tel Aviv:
Qatar, Egypt and the United States confirmed in a joint statement on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The agreement, which is expected to take effect on January 19, outlines a three-phase process aimed at ensuring a “lasting peace”, including the release of hostages and prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas and humanitarian assistance. Aid operations are included.
US President Joe Biden tweeted, “Today, after months of intensive diplomacy, the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage agreement.”
Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement, “The State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States have announced that the conflict parties in Gaza have reached an agreement to release hostages and return to lasting peace in exchange for hostages and prisoners. This agreement will ultimately lead to a permanent ceasefire between the parties and is expected to take effect from January 19, 2025.”
IDF tweet
An agreement has been reached on ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Hamas signed the agreement on Tuesday. After the agreement, the process of release of hostages and prisoners will start.
Both the countries have agreed to put an end to the war that has been going on for 15 months. During the ceasefire, Hamas will release Israeli citizens held hostage in Gaza. In return, Israel will also release Hamas people.
View from the streets of Tel Aviv after a ceasefire and hostage agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas
In the first phase of the ceasefire deal, Hamas can release 33 hostages, including 5 women. Whereas Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners in return. After 15 days, Hamas will release the remaining hostages.