Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release deal reached | Global News Avenue

Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire and hostage release deal, ending more than a year of conflict The fighting in the Gaza StripPresident Biden and the Prime Minister of Qatar made separate announcements on Wednesday. The deal comes after a week of intense negotiations brokered by Qatar, the United States and Egypt.

“Today, after months of intensive U.S. diplomacy, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire and hostage agreement with Egypt and Qatar,” Biden said in a written statement. “This agreement will stop the fighting in Gaza and provide peace to the Palestinians.” provided urgent humanitarian assistance to civilians and reunited hostages who had been held in captivity for more than 15 months with their families.”

“There is no other way to end this war other than a hostage deal, and I’m very pleased that that day has finally come, for the sake of the people of Israel,” Biden said in a speech at the White House on Wednesday afternoon. “And for the families who are waiting in pain, and the innocent people of Gaza who have suffered unimaginable devastation as a result of the war. “

Americans will be among the hostages released in the first phase of the deal, he said, “and the vice president and I can’t wait to welcome them home.”

As news of the deal spread, crowds gathered in Deir al-Bala, Gaza, and celebratory gunshots were heard.

“I’m very happy,” said a young Palestinian woman in Khan Younis, Gaza City, CBS News. “In the past 15 months, I have experienced tears, laughter, the loss of martyrs, people in jail, but in the end I have experienced joy.”

News of the ceasefire, which came into effect on Sunday, comes as Israel continues to carry out airstrikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis.

Families of American hostages still held in Gaza expressed relief at the news of the deal.

The families said in a statement: “We are extremely grateful to Israel and Hamas for finally reaching an agreement that will bring our loved ones – Omar, Edan, Saji, Itay, Keith, Gad and Judy – Bring it home.” “We have waited 467 days while our families suffered life-threatening injuries, abuse, torture and sexual violence. We thank President Biden, President-elect Trump, and their team for making this possible. constructive efforts.”

The transaction draft has been Agree in principle Arab, U.S. and Israeli officials told CBS News earlier this week. It established a framework for a phased ceasefire and exchanged hostages still held by Hamas for more Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. It also includes the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and the ability of Gazan Palestinians to eventually return to the areas they fled.

Intense negotiations have been underway in Doha over the past few weeks, with President Biden’s senior Middle East adviser Brett McGurk spending the better part of a month in the region. McGurk has been coordinating closely with President-elect Donald Trump’s selection of Steve Witkopf, his special envoy to the Middle East. Biden discussed the negotiations in a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday.

In Israel, where a brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 left some 1,200 people dead, the families of some 100 hostages still hold regular rallies to demand a negotiated deal free their loved ones. The Israel Defense Forces said it believed about a third of the hostages were dead.

More than 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed in Israeli attacks since the war began, and most of Gaza’s population has been displaced and living in refugee camps, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. Humanitarian groups have strive to provide assistanceexperts warn of famine.

What is the content of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas?

Details of the deal appear to be based on arrangements outlined by Biden last year.

According to a draft from mediator sources seen by CBS News earlier this week, it will be divided into three phases, each lasting about 42 days.

The draft seen by CBS News said that in the first phase, Hamas would release 33 women and children hostages, as well as those over the age of 50. For every woman or child hostage returned to Israel, 30 Palestinian women and children are released from prison. Hamas will release all hostages over the age of 50, and Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners aged 50 or older.

A senior Israeli official told CBS News that Israel will release hostages starting on the first day of a 42-day ceasefire period.

Hamas will release three hostages on the first day, according to a draft seen by CBS News. On the seventh day, Hamas released four hostages. Since then, Hamas has released three hostages taken from Israel every seven days, first the living and then the bodies of the dead.

The draft seen by CBS News said there would be a complete ceasefire in Gaza to allow aid in during the exchange of hostages and prisoners. International aid groups and the United Nations will resume operations in Gaza and begin rebuilding the enclave’s infrastructure, such as water, electricity and sewage systems.

The second phase of the deal will involve the release of all remaining male Israeli hostages and the withdrawal of the Israel Defense Forces from Gaza, CBS News reported.

The third phase will include the exchange of hostages and prisoner bodies, the start of Gaza’s reconstruction and the opening of its borders.

Trump responds to ceasefire and hostage release deal

In his speech, Biden noted that the deal would largely be implemented after his successor, President-elect Donald Trump, takes office.

“This agreement was developed and negotiated under my administration, but much of its terms will be implemented by the next administration,” the president said. “We have been speaking as a team over the past few days.”

As news of the hostages and ceasefire broke, Trump posted on social media.

“This epic ceasefire is only possible if we achieve a historic victory in November, because it signals to the world that my administration will pursue peace and negotiate deals that ensure all Americans and our allies safety.” Trump wrote. “I am pleased that the American and Israeli hostages will return home to their families and loved ones.”

Trump said his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, would continue to work closely with Israel to “ensure that Gaza no longer becomes a safe haven for terrorists.”

“We have accomplished so much without even being in the White House,” Trump wrote. “Imagine all the wonderful things that will happen when I am back in the White House and my administration is fully confirmed so they can Win more for America!”

Trump was at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Wednesday, five days before he takes office.

Margaret Brennan, Marwan Al-Ghoul, Mais Al-Bayaa and Michal Ben-Gal contributed to this report.