Israel and Hamas have reached a landmark ceasefire deal, ending over a year of war in Gaza. The agreement includes an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
US President Joe Biden announced the breakthrough on Wednesday. He called it “a very good afternoon” and said, “Soon, the hostages will return home to their families.”
The deal involves a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas will release all hostages, and Israel will free Palestinian prisoners, according to reports from the BBC.
During the first phase of the agreement, Palestinians can return to their neighborhoods in Gaza. Humanitarian aid to the region will also increase. Biden emphasized that this step aims to ease the suffering caused by the conflict.
Negotiations for a permanent end to the war will begin soon. Biden confirmed that if talks take longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will remain in place. Biden stated that Hamas agreed to the deal after suffering significant losses during the war. He said many of its senior leaders and fighters are dead, leaving the group operationally weakened.
The President expressed relief at the agreement. He noted the suffering of Israelis with loved ones held captive and the devastation faced by Palestinians in Gaza. “Too many innocent people have died,” Biden said.
He emphasized that the deal offers a chance for Palestinians to rebuild without Hamas. He also praised his team and President-elect Donald Trump’s team for their joint efforts in finalizing the agreement.
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