Blinken Confident Israel-Hamas Gaza Ceasefire Will Start Sunday, Mediated by U.S., Qatar, Egypt

Jan 16, 2025, 04:39 PM

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza will begin on Sunday as planned, despite a last-minute issue that delayed the Israeli government's approval of the deal. The ceasefire and hostage release agreement, mediated by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, aims to halt 15 months of conflict. Blinken noted that negotiators are addressing the final details, which he referred to as a 'loose end.' The deal includes a six-week initial ceasefire, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.