A ceasefire agreement has been finalized to bring an end to 15 months of conflict in the Gaza Strip, President Joe Biden and Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced. Qatar, which hosted weeks of intense negotiations, played a pivotal role in mediating the deal.
The agreement includes the release of dozens of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, marking a significant step toward peace after the expiration of a previous truce on December 1, 2023.
Qatar’s Prime Minister confirmed the deal will go into effect on Sunday. Speaking at a news conference in Doha, he outlined the agreement’s phased implementation: Israeli forces will withdraw to the Gaza border, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home, while hostages and prisoners are exchanged. Additionally, the deal includes provisions for large-scale humanitarian aid, as well as the rebuilding of hospitals and health centers in Gaza.
In a statement, Biden praised the tireless diplomatic efforts of the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, calling the agreement a product of “many months of intensive diplomacy.” During an on-camera address, he expressed satisfaction, emphasizing the relief it brings to families in Israel and Gaza who have endured immense suffering.
Key Provisions of the Deal
- Israeli forces will pull back from densely populated areas in Gaza, enabling the return of displaced Palestinians.
- Hamas will release 33 hostages in exchange for 100 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.
- Israel will release an additional 1,000 Palestinian prisoners who were not involved in the October 7 attacks.
- Certain Palestinian prisoners will be relocated abroad or to Gaza.
Hamas official Basem Naim expressed both relief and regret, stating, “We are very happy to reach a deal today to stop the aggression against our people, but unfortunately we were unable to achieve the same outcome last May.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office highlighted the agreement as a compromise on Hamas’ part, signaling a step toward broader negotiations.
