Official statements from the Israeli government and Hamas, verified by international news agencies

Biden Mistakenly Names Hezbollah While Announcing Israel-Hamas Ceasefire and Hostage Release Starting Sunday

Jan 15, 2025, 07:18 PM

During a news conference announcing a ceasefire and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, U.S. President Joe Biden mistakenly referred to Hezbollah instead of Hamas as the group responsible for the October 7th massacre that initiated over 15 months of conflict. The ceasefire agreement, set to begin on Sunday, aims to end the fighting in Gaza and facilitate the release of Israeli hostages. The deal, reached after extensive negotiations involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, is structured in three phases: the first phase, lasting 42 days, will see the release of 33 Israeli captives by Hamas, the initial release of American hostages, a permanent end to the war, and the return of any remaining hostages' remains along with a major reconstruction plan for Gaza. Biden's error occurred as he detailed the deal's structure.