Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal to end 15 months of war, to begin on Sunday 19 January.
US President Joe Biden confirmed the deal, which involves a full and complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of all the hostages held by Hamas.
Biden says the first phase will allow Palestinians to return home to their neighbourhoods and let more humanitarian assistance into the Gaza Strip.
Hamas attacked southern Israel on 7 October 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages.
The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza, during which more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel says 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead.
Right before Biden started speaking, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman al-Thani was delivering a news conference about the ceasefire deal from Doha. Here’s what he told reporters:
Permanent ceasefire’: The PM said Israel and Hamas agreed to exchange prisoners and hostages, as well as a prolonged truce for “a permanent ceasefire” between them. The ceasefire is due to begin on19 January.
Humanitarian aid: Qatar also announced an agreement for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in the Gaza Strop.
Hostage release: Thirty-three Israeli hostages would be released in the first phase of the deal, the PM added.
Confidence in deal: Asked how much confidence he has that the deal will progress beyond phase one, he said negotiators have faith, but it depends on the parties involved. “We expect from the parties to adhere to the agreement”, he added
BBC
