International
Deal with the Devil? Israel Agrees to Hamas Ceasefire
- Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire after intense negotiations.
- Hostage release included in the deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.
- Months of deadly conflict in Gaza see a temporary halt.
In a significant breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and the release of hostages held in Gaza.
The deal, brokered through intensive negotiations by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, marks a pivotal moment after months of devastating conflict.
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The agreement was finalized following separate meetings with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, who hosted Hamas and Israeli negotiators in his office for final discussions.
A U.S. official confirmed the development, which has been hailed as a crucial step toward ending the deadliest war in Gaza’s history.
The conflict, ignited by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, claimed the lives of 1,210 people in Israel and saw 251 hostages taken, according to Israeli figures.
The attack triggered an extensive Israeli retaliation that has resulted in over 46,700 deaths in Gaza, with the majority reported as civilians.
The figures, provided by Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, have been deemed reliable by the United Nations.
The agreement comes amidst mounting international pressure. U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office in days, had called for the immediate release of hostages, warning Hamas of severe consequences if they failed to comply.
His administration, alongside the outgoing Biden team, played a crucial role in the negotiations.
Key sticking points during talks included the permanence of the ceasefire, Israeli troop withdrawals, and the scale of humanitarian aid permitted into Gaza.
The deal reportedly addresses these issues, although specifics remain undisclosed.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his opposition to any future role for Hamas in Gaza, maintaining his government’s commitment to eradicating the group’s influence.
As part of the agreement, international organisations like the UNRWA are expected to continue providing aid to the beleaguered population in Gaza.
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Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need for a unified Palestinian leadership and progress toward a two-state solution.
This truce, reached after months of bloodshed, offers a glimmer of hope for a region battered by violence. However, the long-term stability of the agreement and the humanitarian recovery of Gaza remain critical challenges.
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