Topline
Title: Israel Endorses Gaza Truce and Hostage Swap Agreement
Israel approved a ceasefire deal with Gaza on Friday, setting the stage for a six-week truce and the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas. The agreement came following a six-hour cabinet meeting in Jerusalem.
Key Facts
Fighter jets continued bombing Gaza throughout the night, leaving 113 Palestinians dead since the initial ceasefire announcement on Wednesday evening, as per Hamas's Civil Emergency Service. Hamas confirmed the resolution of obstacles surrounding the deal, such as Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that Hamas reneged on parts of the agreement.
The ceasefire plan consists of three stages. In the first phase, Hamas will free 33 Israeli hostages, including females, children, and older men. Israel will subsequently release all female and minor Palestinian prisoners in its custody. The deal also promises to ease tensions in the Middle East, which have escalated, involving Iran and its proxies, like Lebanon's Hezbollah and Yemen's Houthis.
U.S. officials confirmed the agreement on Wednesday evening after settling a last-minute dispute. The first phase will take 42 days, culminating in Israeli forces withdrawing from densely populated areas and 33 hosts being transferred from Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden mentioned American hostages would be released during the initial phase and emphasized the ceasefire would halt the fighting in Gaza, shore up humanitarian aid, and result from the immense pressure exerted on Hamas and sustained U.S. diplomacy.
What's New About the Ceasefire Deal?
Crucial Quote
"CEASEFIRE DEAL FOR HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANKS!" Trump posted on Truth Social after noon on Wednesday, confirming the deal. Trump's team worked alongside Biden's administration in the bid for a ceasefire, with his incoming Middle East advisor Steve Witkoff invoved in negotiations.
Was Trump Involved in the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Deal?
Trump's advisors bolstered Biden's team's efforts in their final push for a ceasefire. Incoming Middle East advisor Steve Witkoff participated in dialogues. Trump expressed his contentment with the outcome via Truth Social, claiming that the agreement was only feasible thanks to his administration, stressing its message that his administration would champion peace and negotiate agreements to ensure safety.
Key Background
Hamas initiated attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, causing over 1,000 casualties and capturing approximately 240 hostages, sparking an Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip. The two sides have waged an almost incessant war ever since. A brief pause in fighting took place in November 2023, with a temporary ceasefire seeing around 100 hostages released. However, negotiations for a permanent truce stagnated in the following year. Since the initial attacks, more than 45,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
Surprising Fact
In response to a reporter's question about who deserved credit for the agreement during his press conference, Biden replied, "Is that a joke?"
Big Number
Approximately 98 hostages remain in Gaza, with around 60 still alive, according to reports.
When Does the Ceasefire Start?
The first phase of the ceasefire commenced on Sunday, January 19, setting the stage for negotiations regarding Gaza's future.
The ceasefire agreement includes a promise to improve business conditions in the Middle East, as tensions have been easing and involvement from Iran's proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis has decreased.
During the initial phase of the ceasefire, it was mentioned that American hostages would be released, which could potentially boost businesses and promote peace in the region.
