After 15 months of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have finally agreed to a ceasefire. Mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, this agreement is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. Confirming the agreement between both parties, U.S. President Joe Biden remarked that the Israel-Hamas negotiations were the most challenging talks of his tenure. Global leaders have reacted with relief to the news of this ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The Israel-Hamas war had destabilized the entire Middle East, affecting the globe. On October 7, 2023, Hamas fighters attacked southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. In response, Israel launched military operations in Hamas-controlled Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 Palestinian lives lost.
The Israel-Hamas war involved more than just these two entities, as Hezbollah and Houthi rebels also attacked Israel. Although now a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, halting the conflict in Gaza and enabling the release of hostages.
Ceasefire Announcement by U.S. President
U.S. President Joe Biden addressed a press conference to announce the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. As his term ended, he finalized this ceasefire, evident in the relief on his face.
Sharing details of the ceasefire, Biden stated, 'Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages. This ceasefire, effective from January 19, will implement in three phases. The first phase will last six weeks where a complete ceasefire will occur, Israeli troops will withdraw from Gaza, and 33 children, women, elderly, sick, and injured hostages will be released. In turn, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.'
During this first phase, displaced Palestinians will have the opportunity to return home, with humanitarian aid provided.
Detailing the second and third phases, Biden said, 'In the second phase, remaining hostages will be freed and any remaining Israeli soldiers will return from Gaza. Subsequently, the temporary ceasefire will turn permanent. In the third phase, Hamas will return the bodies of deceased hostages to Israel, after which Gaza's reconstruction efforts will begin.'
President-elect Donald Trump Speaks
On January 20, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, set to take office, wrote on his social media site Truth, 'An agreement has been reached for the release of hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon. Thank you!'
Following this post, Trump stated in another post, 'With this agreement, my national security team, alongside Steve Witkoff, the special envoy for the Middle East, will continue working with Israel and our other allies to ensure that Gaza never becomes a safe haven for terrorists again.'
What did the Prime Minister of Israel Say?
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked both U.S. President Joe Biden and Donald Trump for the ceasefire agreement. Expressing gratitude over the phone, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's commitment to release all hostages.
In a conversation with Trump, Netanyahu praised him, stating that his efforts helped prevent Gaza from becoming a terrorist stronghold. Both leaders agreed to meet soon in Washington to discuss the ceasefire further.
Source: aajtak
The Israeli Prime Minister's office released a statement regarding the conversation between Trump and Netanyahu, stating, 'Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump this evening, thanking him for his assistance in the hostages' release. During this call, the Prime Minister emphasized his commitment to ensuring the return of all hostages, and President Trump affirmed that the U.S. would work alongside Israel to ensure that Gaza does not become a safe haven for terrorism.'
Netanyahu's Allies Fume Over Ceasefire
Even before the ceasefire, extreme right-wing leader and Netanyahu ally Itamar Ben Gvir threatened to withdraw support if Netanyahu agreed to a ceasefire with Hamas. In a video on social media platform X
he remarked, 'The agreement being made is horrific. I know the details well. It involves releasing hundreds of murderer terrorists from prison, sending thousands of terrorists and Gaza residents back to northern Gaza, recalling Israeli forces from Gaza, and jeopardizing Israeli security. The achievements our soldiers made with their blood in the Gaza Strip will be nullified by this agreement.'
In his post, Gvir urged Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to support him against this dangerous ceasefire agreement and to clarify to Prime Minister Netanyahu that if the agreement is made, they will resign from the government together.
Right-wing Bezalel Smotrich also labeled the agreement as dangerous to Israel's national security and expressed his absolute opposition to it. However, unlike Gvir, he did not threaten to leave the government.
What Does India Say?
Regarding the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, India's Ministry of External Affairs released a statement.
The statement reads, 'We welcome the agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza. We hope this will ensure the safe and continuous delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. We have consistently called for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.'
UN Secretary-General António Guterres
Speaking to the media, UN Secretary-General António Guterres stated that the United Nations is ready to support this agreement and deliver humanitarian assistance to countless distressed Palestinians.
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan
Turkey's Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, in talks in Ankara, declared that the ceasefire agreement is a vital step for regional stability. He also mentioned that a two-state solution remains the only way to resolve the Israel-Palestinian conflict, and Turkey's efforts continue in this regard.
Source: aajtak
Qatar's Sheikh and Prime Minister express gratitude, anticipating an end to Palestinian suffering.
He wrote on X, 'We hope announcing a ceasefire agreement in Gaza will help end aggression, destruction, and murder in the Gaza Strip and occupied Palestinian territories. This will mark a new phase, where the Palestinian issue is no longer sidelined, and meaningful efforts toward a fair solution based on international legitimacy will be made.'
Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated that the Gaza ceasefire will commence on January 19. He appealed for peace to be maintained in Gaza until then.
European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen
Ursula von der Leyen warmly welcomed the ceasefire agreement news. She remarked, 'Hostages will be reunited with their families and humanitarian aid can reach civilians in Gaza. This brings hope to a region that has endured immense suffering. Both parties must fully implement this agreement for lasting stability and diplomatic conflict resolution.'
Belgium's Prime Minister, Alexander De Croo
On the ceasefire agreement, Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo expressed relief for the hostages after months of conflict.
He commented, 'We hope this ceasefire will end the fighting and mark the start of a lasting peace. Belgium is ready to assist.'
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer
The British Prime Minister declared in an emailed statement, 'After months of devastating bloodshed and countless lives lost, a ceasefire is here. Israelis and Palestinians have long awaited this news.'
Norway's Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre
On the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre highlighted the need to strengthen Palestinian institutions to handle Gaza's responsibilities.
He advocated that both Israel and Palestine should receive credible security assurances, with solutions arising at a regional level.
