In a pivotal development, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement that promises the release of hostages while aiming to de-escalate a conflict marked by immense bloodshed.
As reported by Fox News, this milestone was confirmed following intense negotiations spearheaded by Qatari mediators and supported by Egyptian intermediaries. Over the next 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly men, will be released in carefully coordinated stages.
The conflict, ignited by Hamas’ ruthless assault on October 7, 2023, has claimed over 1,200 Israeli lives and displaced thousands more on both sides. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to officially confirm the ceasefire, a senior Hamas official disclosed that the agreement has been finalized.
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President-elect Donald Trump didn’t waste a moment celebrating the agreement, touting it as a product of his administration’s incoming approach to diplomacy.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November,” Trump declared on TRUTH Social.
🇺🇸 PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP STATEMENT ON GAZA CEASEFIRE
I agree that if Trump – We – had not won the election, the bloodshed in the Middle East would continue to escalate.
Trump is the PEACE PRESIDENT 🇺🇸🫡 pic.twitter.com/aXUqVFLGRP
— Diligent Denizen 🇺🇸 (@DiligentDenizen) January 15, 2025
He commended his team’s efforts, particularly incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, for securing the deal during a meeting with Netanyahu over the weekend.
In classic Trump fashion, he added, “We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return.”
The deal also highlights Trump’s vision of “peace through strength,” as he vowed to expand upon the Abraham Accords and prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist haven.
The agreement outlines a phased release of hostages, with initial efforts focusing on women, children, and elderly men. By the 16th day, younger men and soldiers will be prioritized, followed by the return of remains. In exchange, Israel will release approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, excluding those convicted of murder.
PRESIDENT TRUMP IS THE PRESIDENT OF PEACE!!!
ISRAEL AND HAMAS HAVE DECLARED A CEASE-FIRE AND A HOSTAGE RELEASE!!!
— Graham Allen (@GrahamAllen_1) January 15, 2025
Humanitarian aid will flow into Gaza during the ceasefire, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. Residents displaced by the conflict will be allowed to return to northern Gaza by the 22nd day, under Qatari and Egyptian oversight.
The operation requires meticulous coordination among Israeli security agencies, the International Red Cross, and Egyptian authorities. Each phase will include updates on the hostages’ health and identities, ensuring transparency amid the sensitive logistics.
As the ceasefire unfolds, the stakes remain high. Israel’s security forces are bracing for potential challenges, while families of the hostages await emotional reunions. This agreement, though monumental, is just the beginning of a complex process to restore stability in a region long plagued by turmoil.
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