World
Hamas Agrees to Ceasefire Days Before Trump Takes Office
Hamas has agreed to a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza and a deal to release hostages, according to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, who made the announcement yesterday.
The ceasefire follows remarks last week by President-elect Donald Trump, warning of severe consequences in the Middle East if the hostages were not freed.
Efforts to negotiate a ceasefire had repeatedly failed since the conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack in Israel, killing at least 1,139 people and capturing over 200.
Vice President-elect JD Vance suggested the agreement was reached partly due to fears of repercussions once President-elect Trump took office on January 20th. Vance’s explanation of Trump’s warning also echoed that of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
While families of hostages in both Israel and Palestine welcomed the news, violence in Gaza continued.
Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, a reserve officer in the IDF, highlighted key factors that influenced the agreement. He stated that Israel’s defeat of Hezbollah, Syria’s collapse, and Iran’s weakened position made a difference. He also cited Trump’s recent warnings as a major turning point.
Avivi added that Hamas likely recognized a deal now was their best option, given the incoming administration’s stance.
The ceasefire is set to go into effect on January 19, the day before Trump’s inauguration.
President Biden Confirms Ceasefire
President Joe Biden confirmed the agreement during a press briefing, crediting collaborative efforts with the Trump administration. He stated the incoming Trump administration would largely manage the new terms.
Biden also hoped the deal could pave the way for an independent Palestinian state.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the agreement’s details were still being finalized. He thanked both Biden and Trump for their support.
Shortly after Qatar’s announcement, the Hamas-run Civil Defense agency reported Israeli airstrikes that killed over 20 people, including 12 residents in a Gaza City neighbourhood. The Israeli military did not immediately respond.
Israel’s offensive against Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist group, began after the October 7 attack. That assault left approximately 1,200 dead and 251 taken hostage. Since then, Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry has reported over 46,700 deaths, widespread displacement, and critical shortages of food, fuel, and medicine.
Israel claims Hamas still holds 94 hostages, with 34 presumed dead. Four other Israelis were abducted before the conflict, two of whom are deceased.
The initial phase of the ceasefire includes the release of 33 hostages—women, children, and elderly—for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. Qatari officials urged both sides to maintain calm before the deal begins.
Israeli troops are expected to pull back from densely populated areas in Gaza. Displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return, and hundreds of aid trucks will enter the region daily.
Negotiations for the second phase, which aims to release the remaining hostages and ensure a full Israeli withdrawal, will begin on the 16th day. The final phase involves rebuilding Gaza and recovering the bodies of any remaining hostages. Rebuilding efforts could take years.
