Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aimed at halting 15 months of fighting in Gaza. The deal, announced on Wednesday evening, includes a hostage exchange and is expected to be implemented as early as Sunday, pending approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet. Under the agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and wounded individuals, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Five Israeli soldiers will also be freed in exchange for 50 Palestinian prisoners each, with 30 of them being Palestinian militants serving life sentences.
The agreement marks a significant development in the conflict, with the Israeli government estimating that around 60 of the 98 hostages held in Gaza are still alive. The deal also includes provisions for a significant flow of humanitarian aid from Egypt and Jordan to the Gaza Strip, as well as a limited withdrawal of Israeli troops from the region. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed optimism that the ceasefire would lead to a full hostage exchange and increased humanitarian aid within the first six days of the agreement.