Latest News

Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Finally Reached: Israel and Hamas Sign Deal to End 15-Month Gaza War

Israel's campaign in Gaza has killed more than 46,000 people, according to Gaza health ministry figures

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending the 15-month-long Gaza war, with a six-week initial ceasefire phase included.

Officials confirmed this deal on January 15, 2025, and marks a significant development in the ongoing conflict that escalated after the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas militants.

The agreement, reached after months of intermittent negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, was finalized shortly before the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

“The resistance factions reached an agreement among themselves and informed the mediators of their approval of the (prisoner) exchange deal and ceasefire,” one of the sources told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

Key Provisions of the Deal:

  • Hostage Release: Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, prioritizing women, children, and men over 50. The release will occur gradually over the six-week period, with three hostages freed each week
  • Prisoner Exchange: In return, Israel will release Palestinian detainees—30 for each civilian hostage and 50 for each female soldier released by Hamas. The total number of Palestinian detainees released could range from approximately 990 to 1,650, depending on the number of hostages released
  • Withdrawal of Forces: Israeli forces are expected to begin withdrawing from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to northern regions

The Israeli onslaught has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths and significant destruction in Gaza. The ceasefire agreement is anticipated to provide much-needed relief for civilians suffering from harsh winter conditions in makeshift shelters.

The deal’s timing is influenced by the upcoming inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, which has added urgency to finalize the agreement before potential shifts in US foreign policy.

Saman Siddiqui

I am a freelance journalist with a Master’s Degree in Mass Communication and an MS in Peace and Conflict Studies. Since 2006, I have been involved in various capacities within the electronic media industry. At OyeYeah, I cover diverse genres ranging from journalism and fiction to fashion, including reviews and fact-finding reports.

Related Articles

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Back to top button