Israel and Hamas Sign 42-Day Ceasefire and Hostage Deal; Netanyahu Confirms Agreement

Jan 16, 2025, 08:18 PM

Israel and Hamas have formally signed a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Doha, following 15 months of conflict in the Gaza Strip. The deal, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, includes a 42-day ceasefire and provides for the release of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for over 700 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office confirmed the agreement, stating that the Israeli cabinet will convene on Friday to approve the deal, with the full government vote expected on Saturday night. The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday, January 19, with the first hostages to be released on Monday. Both President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have claimed credit for facilitating the agreement. Biden announced the deal from the White House, emphasizing the intensive U.S. diplomacy involved, while Trump stated on his social platform that "We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly," attributing the breakthrough to his influence.