After 15 months of devastating conflict in Gaza following Hamas&rsquo;s unprecedented attack on southern Israel, a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and the Palestinian group. The deal, confirmed on Wednesday by officials from Israel, Hamas, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. The initial phase will focus on the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced the agreement and its Sunday commencement during a press conference in Doha. The intricate deal includes a six-week initial ceasefire phase. This phase will see Israeli forces gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip, coupled with a reciprocal release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
The plan&rsquo;s first stage involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages&mdash;primarily women and children&mdash;over 42 days. This exchange will occur in tandem with the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. The terms of subsequent phases are set to be negotiated during the implementation of each preceding phase.
Despite widespread reports of progress, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&rsquo;s office initially denied any finalized agreement on Wednesday, January 15, raising doubts about the deal&rsquo;s immediate implementation. This uncertainty spurred renewed public criticism of Netanyahu&rsquo;s leadership and calls for his resignation.
Approximately 100 hostages are believed to still be held by Hamas in Gaza, though the condition of all captives remains unclear. Each day without a resolution decreases the likelihood of their safe return, intensifying the urgency for action.
The ceasefire has sparked hope among Palestinians in Gaza, many of whom celebrated in anticipation of an end to the violence and the possibility of returning to their homes. However, the devastation caused by the prolonged conflict means that even returnees face daunting challenges, including destroyed infrastructure and limited resources.
International mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, played pivotal roles in brokering the agreement. The initial phase&rsquo;s 42-day timeline aims to stabilize the situation while addressing humanitarian concerns.
Hamas, celebrating the agreement, claimed it thwarted the objectives of what it called Israel&rsquo;s &ldquo;war of extermination.&rdquo; Meanwhile, Israel has emphasized that critical issues remain unresolved but expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire&rsquo;s potential to halt hostilities and secure hostages&rsquo; safe return.
Incoming U.S. President Donald Trump took credit for the agreement, praising his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff for advancing the deal. This drew mixed reactions, as Trump highlighted his administration&rsquo;s efforts to mediate peace in the region.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, violence persists. Israeli airstrikes in Gaza killed 12 people in a residential compound in Gaza City. Additionally, an Israeli operation in Jenin in the occupied West Bank resulted in six fatalities, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The ceasefire deal marks a significant moment in the prolonged conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for peace while underscoring the complexities of achieving lasting stability in the region.

People from Gaza as well as of Israel celebrating ceasefire announcement

Deal includes phased hostage exchanges and gradual troop withdrawals

Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement to Begin on Sunday

Deal includes phased hostage exchanges and gradual troop withdrawals

January 16, 2025 | 09:43 IST