Israel and Hamas reach ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal

The agreement comes after months of sporadic negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with support from the United States. It was finalized just days before the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.

The conflict intensified in October 2023 when Israeli forces launched an invasion of Gaza following a Hamas-led attack. The attackers breached security barriers and entered Israeli communities, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians and abducting over 250 hostages, including foreign nationals.

Gaza’s health ministry reported that Israel’s military operations in the territory have resulted in more than 46,000 deaths, leaving large parts of the densely populated enclave in ruins.

The first phase of the agreement includes the release of 33 hostages, comprising children, women, elderly individuals, and those who are wounded or ill.

This phase will last 60 days, with talks for a second phase beginning on the 16th day. During the second phase, the remaining hostages, including soldiers and younger civilians, are to be freed, and the bodies of deceased hostages will be returned.

In return, Israel will release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving lengthy sentences for deadly attacks.

If Israel’s cabinet approves the agreement, there will be a 24 to 48-hour period for potential appeals to the Supreme Court. The deal’s implementation could start as early as Sunday, with the first group of hostages being freed.