Israel and Hamas have reached a landmark agreement to cease hostilities after more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, and many more feared buried under the rubble.
Israel and Hamas have agreed on a landmark truce to end hostilities in Gaza, facilitating a major prisoner exchange. This deal, brokered by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. backing, comes after months of tense negotiations. It also precedes the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, adding political significance.
The conflict escalated dramatically when Hamas gunmen breached Israel’s security barriers, killing 1,200 people, including civilians, and abducting over 250 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory strikes and ground operations left over 46,000 dead in Gaza and displaced hundreds of thousands, worsening the humanitarian crisis.
This agreement, hailed as a breakthrough, aims to end the 15-month war that has devastated the region. President-elect Trump, vocal about his desire for a resolution, exerted pressure for action. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, collaborated closely with President Joe Biden’s team to ensure the deal’s success.
In Israel, the deal is seen as a response to growing public discontent over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of the October 7 security breach, which marked the deadliest day in Israel’s history. The return of hostages is expected to ease domestic tensions and improve his government’s standing.
This truce could help stabilise these volatile regional dynamics. As preparations begin for implementing the agreement, hopes rise for this to be a step toward lasting peace in the Middle East.