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Israel-Gaza War: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in Gaza, set to take effect on Sunday, January 19. The historic deal, mediated in Doha by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, includes a phased truce and the release of hostages held during 15 months of intense fighting.

At a news conference in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced the ceasefire and said negotiators were working with both Israel and Hamas on steps to implement the deal.

The complex phased accord outlines a six-week initial ceasefire, with the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, where tens of thousands have been killed. Hostages held by Hamas, which controls Gaza, will be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

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Image Credits: Reuters

Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq stated that the deal, reached in the Qatari capital, Doha, meets all of the group’s conditions, including the full withdrawal of Israeli forces, the return of displaced people to their homes, and a permanent end to the war.

Despite the announcement, violence continues in Gaza. Local sources reported Israeli airstrikes as recently as Wednesday evening, with over 46,000 lives lost since the conflict began, according to health officials. Strikes in Gaza City and the northern region killed at least 32 people, highlighting the urgency of implementing the truce.

A Palestinian official close to the talks told Reuters that mediators were working to halt hostilities before the truce takes effect on Sunday.

Celebrations Amid Hardship

News of the ceasefire has sparked celebrations in Gaza. In Khan Younis, jubilant crowds filled the streets, waving Palestinian flags and cheering. "I’m crying tears of joy," said Ghada, a displaced mother of five. "We have endured so much, and now there is hope."

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In Tel Aviv, families of Israeli hostages also expressed relief. "We feel overwhelming joy knowing our loved ones will soon be home," said one family in a statement.

Israeli Approval Still Pending

While the deal has been announced, it requires approval from Israel’s security cabinet and government, with votes scheduled for Thursday. Despite opposition from hardliners in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, the accord is expected to pass.

Netanyahu has already reached out to US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to express his gratitude for their support. He also announced plans to visit Washington soon to discuss further steps toward stabilising the region.

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A Turning Point for the Middle East?

If the ceasefire holds, it could mark the end of a conflict that has devastated Gaza, displacing millions of its 2.3 million residents and reducing much of the area to rubble. Beyond Gaza, the truce has the potential to ease tensions across the Middle East, where the war has triggered unrest in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, and raised fears of a larger regional confrontation involving Iran.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu called both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to thank them, stating that he would visit Washington soon.

In a social media post announcing the ceasefire, Hamas called the pact "an achievement for our people" and "a turning point."

How Will It Take Place?

While full details of the agreement have not been formally announced, an official revealed that the initial phase will involve a six-week preliminary ceasefire. This stage includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody.

During this phase, 33 Israeli hostages—comprising women, children, and men over the age of 50—will be freed. Negotiations for the second phase are expected to begin on the 16th day of the ceasefire. This phase is likely to focus on releasing all remaining hostages, including soldiers, establishing a permanent ceasefire, and ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase could involve returning all remaining bodies and initiating Gaza’s reconstruction under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. The agreement was achieved after months of mediation by Egypt and Qatar, with strong support from the United States. The announcement came just four days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration.

Global Reactions

US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both claimed credit for the ceasefire-for-hostages deal, which took months to finalise but was reportedly pushed across the line by a Trump envoy.

In announcing the ceasefire, Biden noted that the final deal largely reflected the framework he had proposed in May. When asked by a reporter who would receive credit in history books, Biden smiled and quipped, "Is that a joke?"

Trump, meanwhile, was quick to claim credit, posting on social media that the breakthrough was a result of his administration's influence following his electoral victory. He warned there would have been "hell to pay" if a deal had not been reached before his term began.

"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 wrote.

Former US President Barack Obama also welcomed the agreement, calling it "good news for the families of the hostages, the Palestinian civilians who have endured unimaginable suffering, and all those who have prayed for an end to this awful chapter."