Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal after months of negotiations. The agreement, facilitated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., will bring humanitarian aid to Gaza and reunite hostages with their families. The deal marks a significant step after over a year of conflict.
After intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., Israel, and Hamas have reached an agreement to cease hostilities in Gaza and release hostages. The deal will allow humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza and reunite hostages with their families, ending over 15 months of captivity. U.S. President Joe Biden praised the diplomatic efforts, which also involved phone talks between Netanyahu and Biden.
In the wake of the October 2023 Hamas attack, over 1,200 Israelis were killed, and approximately 100 hostages were taken. The families of the American hostages expressed relief, saying they had endured significant suffering while waiting for this agreement. According to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry, Israeli strikes have killed over 46,000 Palestinians, with many displaced in camps. This breakthrough marks a major diplomatic victory, though the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues.
