(250115) — DOHA, Jan. 15, 2025 (Xinhua) — Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani speaks at a press conference in Doha, Qatar, on Jan. 15, 2025. Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal after intensive mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the Qatari prime minister announced on Wednesday. In a press conference, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the two conflicting parties in Gaza have reached an agreement regarding the exchange of hostages and prisoners and return to sustainable calm that would lead to a permanent ceasefire. (Xinhua)
On January 15, 2025, Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant step toward ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza. In his speech, he outlined the key components of the agreement, which include a phased cessation of hostilities, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to the region. He emphasized the importance of this agreement in alleviating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and called for calm and restraint from all parties until the ceasefire takes effect on January 19, 2025. Sheikh Mohammed also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of international mediators, including Egypt and the United States, in reaching this accord.
ISRAEL-TEL AVIV-HAMAS-CEASEFIRE DEAL-REACHING
On January 15, 2025, Israel and Hamas agreed to a ceasefire to end 15 months of conflict in the Gaza Strip. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, is structured in three phases:
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First Phase: A six-week ceasefire will commence on January 19, 2025. During this period, Hamas is expected to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, injured individuals, and those over 50. In return, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners, with a ratio of 30 prisoners for each civilian hostage and 50 for each Israeli soldier. Additionally, Israeli forces will begin a phased withdrawal from Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.
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Second Phase: Spanning 42 days, this phase focuses on the release of remaining male hostages and the complete withdrawal from populated area of Israeli troops from Gaza.
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Third Phase: This final stage involves the exchange of the remains of deceased hostages and the initiation of Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal following intensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatar’s prime minister announced on Wednesday.
The agreement includes an initial 42-day phase during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt. The Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas to the outskirts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their residence in the Gaza Strip. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua)
The ceasefire is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025, pending approval by the Israeli security cabinet. Both parties have expressed cautious optimism, with international leaders, including U.S. President Joe Biden, acknowledging the challenges faced during the negotiations. Celebrations have erupted in Gaza, while reactions in Israel remain mixed, reflecting the complexities of the agreement.
The conflict, which began in October 2023 following a Hamas attack, has resulted in significant loss of life and widespread devastation in Gaza. The ceasefire aims to halt hostilities, facilitate humanitarian aid, and pave the way for long-term peace and reconstruction in the region.
