Israel and Hamas Agree on Ceasefire After 15 Months of War
Historic Prisoner Exchange Marks the End of a Brutal Conflict Mediated by Global Powers
- Israeli hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners
- The deal was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States
- The war saw 46,000 deaths, with growing regional tensions and international calls for resolution
Israel and Hamas have reached a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement, concluding a brutal 15-month conflict in Gaza.
Central to the deal is the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, a move confirmed by officials involved in the negotiation process.
This diplomatic breakthrough, brokered with assistance from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, was finalized mere days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
Trump’s team, led by Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, collaborated with the outgoing Biden administration to accelerate the resolution, with Trump issuing a stern ultimatum for the release of hostages.
The conflict originated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched a devastating attack, breaching Israeli security, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians, and abducting over 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes devastated Gaza, resulting in over 46,000 deaths and widespread displacement amid dire humanitarian conditions, according to the Gaza health ministry.
The agreement is seen as a strategic move for embattled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who faces public outcry over security failures. Regionally, the war’s escalation involved Iran-backed militias in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. However, recent Israeli strikes on senior leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah helped solidify the groundwork for the ceasefire.
This ceasefire marks a pivotal moment in Middle Eastern geopolitics, offering a potential path toward stability after months of devastation and tension.
