Israel and Hamas agree ceasefire and hostage deal, potentially ending 15-month Gaza war

Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire agreement, announced by mediators on Wednesday, halting the intense 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip and offering hope for de-escalation of the deadliest and most destructive fighting between the two adversaries.

The deal, which followed weeks of careful negotiations in the Qatari capital, includes provisions for the phased release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israel, and the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced people to the remnants of their homes. Additionally, the agreement would facilitate the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to the devastated region.

Three US officials and one from Hamas confirmed a ceasefire deal had been reached, though a senior Israeli official mentioned that details are still being finalized.

The agreement promises an initial six-week halt to fighting, accompanied by discussions on ending the war entirely. Over the course of six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages will be freed after months of captivity, although it remains uncertain if all are alive. It is still unclear when displaced Palestinians will be able to return to their homes or if the ceasefire will lead to a full end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza — key demands from Hamas for the release of the remaining hostages.

The longer-term future of Gaza is uncertain, particularly regarding who will govern the territory and oversee its reconstruction. Still, the announcement marks the first sign of hope in months that the conflict may be winding down, after years of violence that has destabilized the Middle East and sparked global protests.

Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump quickly took to Truth Social to claim credit for the ceasefire deal, calling it "epic" and crediting his election victory for sending a global message of peace. Trump also promised that his administration would continue to work with Israel to ensure Gaza does not become a terrorist safe haven.

"We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!" Trump said.

"We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!" he added.

The war, which began with Hamas's October 7, 2023, cross-border attack killing around 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in more than 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local officials, and displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population. The conflict has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, with many homes destroyed and hospitals operating at minimal capacity. Fears of famine are growing in northern Gaza.

In Israel, there were protests calling for a resolution to the conflict. While some families of hostages, like Sharone Lifschitz, expressed cautious optimism, others, including the government, remain focused on the challenges ahead.

The ceasefire agreement follows the framework proposed by President Biden earlier in the year, which included provisions for a six-week ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas, the release of hostages, and the influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

Despite the deal, significant challenges remain, particularly the question of who will govern Gaza post-war, and whether Hamas will retain influence in the region. The international community, including the United States and Israel, continues to explore options for a stable and peaceful future for Gaza, but with significant obstacles to overcome.