Israel and Hamas reach deal on Gaza ceasefire

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, ending over 460 days of war that has left Gaza in ruins.

The agreement, confirmed by Qatar, the United States, and Israel, will go into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025.

The ceasefire includes a temporary halt to the violence, the release of captives, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes, though many have been destroyed due to Israel’s military actions.

The initial phase of the ceasefire will last for six weeks and involve a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, with Israel agreeing to release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives.

Additionally, Israel will partially withdraw its troops from Gaza, and humanitarian aid will be allowed into the region, with up to 600 trucks per day.

The second and third phases of the deal are still under discussion, with talks focusing on further Israeli troop withdrawals and the potential for international support in Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.