Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: The Israel-Hamas war has stopped… Yes, the path to peace has opened up in the Middle East. Israel will no longer fire its cannons. Hamas will not rain rockets. Oppressed people, children, old people and women will no longer be killed. The devastation that was going on in the Middle East for nearly two years is coming to an end. Because a ceasefire deal has been done between Israel and Hamas. Both have confirmed that the hostages will now be released. People living in fear of death will now be able to make shelter in the open sky. More than 50,000 people were killed in these two years. Many of these were mute children as well.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: Agreement Reached Between Israel and Hamas
Israel and Hamas have agreed to stop the 15-month-long war in Gaza. During the ceasefire, Hamas will release Israeli citizens held hostage in Gaza. In return, Israel will also release Hamas people. However, an official announcement regarding the ceasefire is yet to be made. America’s newly elected President Donald Trump said that a ceasefire agreement has been reached in Gaza. He said on social media – We have an agreement for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon.
Hamas Approves Ceasefire; Relief for Displaced Gazans
According to CBS News report, Israeli and Hamas negotiators in Qatar’s Prime Minister’s Office sealed the deal. Hamas said that it has told Qatar and Egyptian mediators that it has approved the ceasefire agreement. This agreement will give millions of displaced people in Gaza city and southern Gaza an opportunity to return to their homes, villages and towns. 600 trucks standing at the border carrying relief material for the Palestinians will go inside and people will get relief.
Prisoner Exchange Deal: Hostages and Detainees to Be Freed
According to the prisoner exchange agreement, both will exchange hostages and prisoners. According to media reports, Hamas has also released some hostages. When Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, it took 251 people hostage. 94 people are still in its custody. However, Israel believes that only 60 of them are alive. It is expected that Israel will release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages, some of whom have been in jail for years.
The war between Israel and Hamas has been going on in Gaza since 7 October 2023. More than 47 thousand people from both sides were killed in this.
Overview of the Hostages’ Status
Hamas took a total of 251 Israeli citizens hostage.
Hostages Released from Captivity: 157
- Released by Hamas: 109
- Rescued by the military: 8
- Found dead: 37
- Escaped or mistakenly killed by Israel: 3
Hostages Currently Held by Hamas: 94
- Alive: 60
- Dead: 34
What did Donald Trump say?
The President-elect said, “This epic ceasefire agreement was a result of our historic victory in November, as it signaled to the world that my Administration will seek peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies. I am thrilled that American and Israeli hostages will return home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”
He further said, “With this agreement in place, my national security team, and the efforts of Special Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, will ensure that Gaza never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists. And working closely with Israel and our allies, we will continue to promote peace with vigor throughout the region. We are building on this ceasefire to advance the historic Abraham Accords. This is just the beginning of great things to come for America and, indeed, the world!”
‘…when I return to the White House’
Donald Trump said, “We have accomplished so much while we were in the White House. Just imagine all the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House and my administration is fully established, to bring more victories to the United States of America!”
After the deadly attack on October 7, 2023, Israel claimed that Hamas had taken 94 Israelis hostage, 34 of whom have reportedly died since then. Hamas has agreed to release 34 Israeli hostages in the first phase of the deal and women, children, elderly and sick people will be released first on humanitarian grounds.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire: What will happen next?
Hamas’ condition is that in the first phase of the ceasefire deal, the Israeli army will move 700 meters back to its territory from the Gaza border. At present, this ceasefire deal is yet to be presented in the Israeli cabinet. As soon as it is approved there, the ceasefire deal will be implemented immediately. America’s newly elected President Donald Trump said about this deal that Hamas will soon release the hostages.
News agency AFP had reported on Monday, ‘The first phase of ceasefire between Israel and Hamas can be of total 42 days. In the first phase of the ceasefire deal, Hamas can release 33 hostages, including 5 women. On the other hand, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners in return. Hamas will release the remaining hostages 15 days after this. Meanwhile, both the parties will talk about a permanent ceasefire.
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