Negotiators from Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement on a 42-day cease-fire and hostage release in Gaza, U.S. President Joe Biden and other officials announced Wednesday. The deal raises hopes for an end to over a year of war that has killed some 1,200 Israelis and more than forty thousand Palestinians, devastating the region.
The cease-fire is set to begin Sunday, according to Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, a key mediator. However, logistical details are still being finalized, he told reporters Wednesday evening.
The Israeli cabinet must formally ratify the agreement, with two senior Israeli officials confirming that unresolved details remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office issued a statement expressing hope that these issues would be resolved soon.
“The first phase of the cease-fire will see Israeli forces withdraw to the east, away from populated areas,” Al Thani said. He also confirmed the release of 33 hostages over the 42 days but did not specify the number of Palestinian prisoners to be freed.
Israeli authorities estimate approximately 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 35 believed to have died during captivity.
President Biden emphasized the humanitarian impact of the agreement, stating, “Too many innocent people have died, too many communities have been destroyed. In this deal, the people of Gaza can finally recover and rebuild.” He also noted that the agreement includes provisions for Palestinians to return to their homes and receive increased humanitarian aid.
Hamas confirmed the cease-fire in a statement on Telegram, calling it an “achievement for our people” and praising Gazans’ “legendary resilience” during the conflict.
President-elect Donald Trump also announced the hostage deal on social media, saying, “THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY.” Trump had previously threatened severe consequences unless an agreement was reached before his Jan. 20 inauguration, which some officials credited with advancing negotiations.
The fighting in Gaza has left Hamas severely weakened, with many of its commanders killed. Yahya Sinwar, its longtime leader in Gaza, was among those killed by Israeli forces last fall.
