Reports from international monitoring bodies or major news outlets like Al Jazeera or The Guardian

Biden: Gaza Ceasefire Deal for 33 Hostages and 1000 Prisoners Nears Completion, Involving Trump Administration

Jan 13, 2025, 08:39 PM

U.S. President Joe Biden has announced that a ceasefire and hostage-release deal between Israel and Hamas in Gaza is on the brink of being finalized. Speaking at the State Department, Biden emphasized that the proposal he outlined months ago is close to coming to fruition. The deal aims to secure the release of 33 hostages, including at least two American citizens, Sagui Dekel-Chen and Keith Siegel, in exchange for a ceasefire lasting at least six weeks and the release of over 1000 Palestinian prisoners. The U.S. is working urgently to close the agreement, with Biden having been in communication with key intermediaries, including the leaders of Qatar and Egypt, to facilitate the negotiations. The incoming Trump administration has also been involved in the mediation process.