Israel and Hamas agree to Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal: Reports

Tel Aviv: Israel and Hamas have agreed to a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday citing an official briefed on the deal. This move potentially paves the way for an end to a 15-month war that has disrupted the Middle East.

This major breakthrough comes after months of intense negotiations facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with the support of the United States. The timing of the deal is particularly significant, as it comes just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Israel and Hamas have reached a landmark agreement to cease hostilities in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The deal includes a six-week initial ceasefire phase, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and the release of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

The conflict between Israel and Hamas has been devastating, with Israeli troops invading Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen breached security barriers, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians, and abducting over 250 hostages. The humanitarian toll has been staggering, with more than 46,000 people killed and hundreds of thousands displaced, struggling to survive in makeshift shelters.

The agreement is seen as a crucial step towards ending the 15-month war that has ravaged the Middle East. President-elect Trump had been vocal about his desire for a swift resolution, warning of severe consequences if the hostages were not released.

US President-elect Donald Trump said a hostage deal had been reached and that the hostages being held by Hamas would be "released shortly."

The return of the hostages in Israel is expected to ease public anger against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government, who have faced criticism for the October 7 security failure that led to the deadliest single day in Israel's history. The conflict has also had far-reaching consequences, with Iran-backed proxies in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen attacking Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians.

The deal marks a significant shift in the dynamics of the conflict, coming after Israel's successful assassinations of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders. As the region awaits the implementation of the agreement, hopes are high that this breakthrough will pave the way for a lasting peace. (Agencies)

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