Editor in Chief: Giampaolo Pioli

The First Italian English Digital Daily in the US

English Editor: Grace Russo Bullaro

Israel, Hamas Reach Landmark Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Over 30 Israeli hostages and 1,000 Palestinian detainees expected to be released in six weeks starting Sunday

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement in Gaza that could see the release of over 30 Israeli hostages and approximately 1,000 Palestinian detainees over the next six weeks. The announcement was made on Wednesday in separate statements by Qatar’s Prime Minister Mohammed al-Thani, who hosted the latest round of negotiations in Doha, and U.S. President Joe Biden.

However, shortly before these declarations, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the agreement had not yet been finalized, noting that “the final details are still being worked out.”

Barring unexpected developments, the deal is expected to receive formal approval by the early hours of Thursday. Netanyahu and his security cabinet are scheduled to vote on the proposal at 11:00 a.m. local time (4:00 a.m. ET). According to Al Jazeera, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar cut short his diplomatic mission in Europe to attend the vote in person.

Later on Wednesday evening, Israeli President Isaac Herzog issued a televised appeal urging the government to approve the agreement without delay. Once endorsed by Israel, the deal is expected to come into effect on Sunday, al-Thani confirmed.

“It’s a very good afternoon because, at long last, I can announce a ceasefire deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months of conflict,” during a press briefing at the White House, flanked by Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Vice President Kamala Harris. “That began with [Hamas’s] brutal massacre on October the seventh, more than 15 months of terror for the hostages, their families, the Israeli people.”

The ceasefire, which Biden described as identical to a proposal tabled by his administration last May, includes an initial six-week truce. During this period, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from central Gaza, and displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to the northern part of the Strip. The agreement also provides for the daily entry of 600 humanitarian aid trucks into Gaza, including 50 carrying fuel, with 300 designated for northern Gaza.

As part of the deal, Hamas has committed to releasing 33 Israeli hostages, including all women (both civilians and soldiers), children, and men over the age of 50. These releases will take place gradually, with three hostages freed each week and the remainder by the end of the truce period. In return, Israel will release 30 Palestinian detainees for every civilian hostage and 50 for every female Israeli soldier freed by Hamas. Living hostages will be prioritized, followed by the remains of those who have died in captivity.

The agreement’s implementation will be overseen by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. According to Qatari sources, Qatar and Egypt will also monitor the return of displaced Palestinians from southern Gaza to the north. Israel has pledged to withdraw gradually from the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza as part of the arrangement.

Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations on a “second phase” of the agreement by the 16th day of the truce. This phase is expected to include the release of all remaining hostages, a permanent ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, a key demand from Hamas. On Tuesday, outgoing U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken proposed a framework for reuniting the West Bank and Gaza under a single administration led by the Palestinian Authority.

Among the first to welcome the breakthrough was U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, who wrote on Truth Social: “We have a hostage deal in the Middle East. They will be released soon. Thank you!”

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” Trump added. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

Although the Republican administration is not set to take office until January 20, Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, participated in the Doha talks alongside Brett McGurk, representing the Biden administration. In recent days, Trump had urged Hamas and Israel to finalize an agreement before his inauguration, warning that failure to do so would result in severe repercussions.

Trump also pledged to revive the 2020 Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states, including the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco, and Sudan.

Gennaro Mansi

Gennaro Mansi

Giornalista, si occupa principalmente di affari internazionali e di rapporti tra Occidente e Oriente A journalist with a background in comparative law, Gennaro mainly covers world affairs and West-East relations

DELLO STESSO AUTORE

A PROPOSITO DI...

DELLO STESSO AUTORE

Latest News

New York

Italiany

Next Post

Welcome Back!

Login to your account below

Create New Account!

Fill the forms bellow to register

By clicking on "Create my account" or by registering, you accept the Term of Service and the Privacy Policy.

Retrieve your password

Please enter your username or email address to reset your password.

Are you sure want to unlock this post?
Unlock left : 0
Are you sure want to cancel subscription?