Israel and Hamas Reach Landmark Hostage Deal to End Gaza Conflict

GAZA: Israel and Hamas have made a landmark deal to halt hostilities in Gaza and barter the release of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The arrangement, which follows months of U.S.-backed negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, takes effect just before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump is sworn in on Jan. 20.

The escalation in violence, in which Hamas gunmen broke through security barriers and killed more than 1,200 people, including both soldiers and civilians, and the abduction of more than 250 hostages. It is one of the worst in the history of the Israel-Palestinian conflict, with the Israeli military now invading Gaza. The humanitarian crisis has been catastrophic, with more than 46,000 deaths and upwards of 1.7 million people displaced in Gaza.

The deal is viewed as a vital step to ending the 15-month war that has devastated the area. President-elect Trump had called for a quick resolution, warning of dire consequences if the hostages were not freed. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, negotiated with President Joe Biden’s team to help bring about the deal.

In Israel, retrieving the hostages is seen as a boon for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has been criticized for the Oct. 7 security lapse, the deadliest day in Israel’s history. The fighting has also prompted retaliatory attacks against Israel from Iran-backed groups based in Lebanon, Iraq and Yemen.

The agreement follows Israel’s successful targeting of top Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, a turning point in the conflict. As the region anticipates the deal’s enactment, its proponents hope it will lead to durable peace.

Donald Trump also posted that, “We have a hostage deal in the Middle East. They are going to be released soon. Thank you!”

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