Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, facilitated by discussions with Qatar's prime minister.
This development follows a week of rigorous negotiations involving Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt. President Biden announced the deal, emphasizing its significance in stopping the violence in Gaza, providing essential humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reuniting hostages with their families after over 15 months of captivity.
Negotiations took place in Doha, with President Biden's senior Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, actively involved for nearly a month, coordinating efforts with President-elect Donald Trump's designated special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Biden also communicated with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the ongoing discussions. In Israel, families of the approximately 100 hostages taken during Hamas' October 7, 2023 attack have been advocating for a negotiated resolution to secure their loved ones' release.
The Israel Defense Forces estimate that about a third of the hostages may have perished.
The families of American hostages expressed their gratitude for the agreement, highlighting their prolonged suffering and thanking both President Biden and President-elect Trump for their roles in achieving this outcome.
Over 45,000 Palestinians in Gaza have lost their lives due to Israeli airstrikes since the onset of the conflict, as reported by the Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry, with a significant portion of the population now displaced and residing in camps.
The agreement will ensure and maintain safe environment between both parties , including Hamas and Israel.