By Adam Rasgon, Patrick Kingsley, Aaron Boxerman, Ronen Bergman, Peter Baker, and Isabel Kershner
Israeli and Hamas negotiators have reached an agreement for a 42-day ceasefire and the release of hostages in the Gaza Strip, as announced by President Joe Biden and other officials on Wednesday, sparking optimism for a potential conclusion to over a year of conflict that has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and significant destruction in the area.
Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani of Qatar, acting as a mediator, informed reporters Wednesday evening that the ceasefire is scheduled to commence on Sunday. He mentioned, however, that both parties continue to finalize certain logistical arrangements.
Two senior Israeli officials indicated that the Israeli Cabinet and government must formally approve the agreement. The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that various details within the agreement remain unresolved, but there is hope that these issues will be addressed on Wednesday night.
Al Thani reported that the initial stage of the ceasefire would involve Israeli forces retreating to the east, away from densely populated areas. He noted that approximately 33 hostages would be released throughout the 42 days; however, he did not specify how many Palestinian prisoners would be set free.
It is estimated that around 100 hostages still remain in Gaza, although Israeli officials believe that about 35 of those individuals are deceased.
Biden added that, in addition to the release of hostages, Palestinians would be permitted to return to their residences and would gain access to an influx of humanitarian aid.
“Too many innocent lives have been lost; too many communities have faced destruction,” he remarked during a speech at the White House. “With this agreement, the people of Gaza can finally begin to heal and rebuild.”
Hamas acknowledged the ceasefire agreement in a statement on Telegram, referring to it as an “accomplishment for our people” and celebrating the “extraordinary resilience” of Palestinians in Gaza amidst the ongoing conflict.
President-elect Donald Trump also indicated that a deal concerning hostages had been struck, declaring on social media that “THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY.” Trump had previously warned of severe repercussions unless an agreement was established between Israel and Hamas before his inauguration on Jan. 20, a situation that some officials attributed to the acceleration of negotiations.
The continued hostilities in Gaza have left Hamas significantly weakened, with numerous military leaders killed, including its longtime leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, who was taken out by Israeli forces in the fall.
The ceasefire proposal closely resembles a three-stage framework introduced by Biden in late May, according to several officials familiar with the discussions. In that May outline, Israel and Hamas would initially agree to a six-week ceasefire where Hamas would free women, older men, and ill hostages in return for the release of jailed Palestinians, along with the entry of 600 trucks carrying humanitarian aid into Gaza each day.
In Israel, some hardline members of Netanyahu’s administration have expressed dissent regarding the agreement. Nevertheless, on Wednesday, Gideon Saar, Israel’s foreign minister, expressed belief that a majority would support the agreement if it comes to a Cabinet vote.
This proposed agreement comes in the wake of months of shuttle diplomacy aimed at ending the war in Gaza, which erupted after Hamas conducted a surprise attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of 1,200 individuals and approximately 250 hostages taken. Following Israel’s military response to the attack, health officials report that at least 45,000 Palestinians have died in Gaza.
