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Israel and Hamas Agree Six-Week Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and US

Jan 15, 2025, 05:23 PM

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire that will pause fighting in the Gaza Strip for six weeks and lead to the phased release of dozens of Israeli hostages held by Hamas in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, according to multiple sources. The agreement was reportedly confirmed by President Joe Biden and comes after 15 months of war. Negotiations were mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, with Qatar's Prime Minister holding separate meetings with Hamas negotiators and Israeli officials in Doha. The ceasefire and hostage release are expected to commence shortly.