Israel and Hamas Agree to Cease-Fire and Hostage Release “`

January 17, 2025 by No Comments

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, including the release of hostages, has been reached, officials confirmed.

President Biden, alongside Secretary of State Antony Blinken, announced a three-phase implementation plan during a press conference. 

Biden stated that the initial six-week phase involves a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from all populated Gaza areas, and the release of several hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly, and the wounded. He added that Americans will be among those released in phase one. 

In return, Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, according to Biden, and Palestinians will be permitted to return to their homes throughout Gaza; humanitarian aid will also be significantly increased.

“Over the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate the arrangements for Phase Two, which signifies a permanent end to the conflict,” Biden explained. He clarified that if negotiations extend beyond six weeks, the ceasefire will remain in effect until negotiations conclude.

“Phase Two will involve the release of the remaining living hostages, including male soldiers. All remaining Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza, and the temporary ceasefire will become permanent,” Biden said. Finally, Phase Three will entail the return of remains of any deceased hostages to their families, followed by a large-scale reconstruction project in Gaza.”

Earlier, a source familiar with the matter revealed that a ceasefire and hostage release agreement was finalized following a meeting between the Qatari Prime Minister and Hamas negotiators, as well as separate Israeli negotiators.

Separately, a senior Hamas official confirmed the agreement. A statement from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that while final details remained unresolved, they anticipated resolution shortly.

Reuters also reported the agreement, citing an official briefed on the matter.

The conflict, initiated by Hamas’s attacks on October 7, 2023, has resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, numerous Palestinian casualties, and thousands of casualties on both sides.

President-elect Trump, who had previously issued a warning regarding the consequences of a delayed agreement, swiftly expressed his approval. 

“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies,” Trump wrote on TRUTH Social. “I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.” 

The agreement, brokered by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian intermediaries, also involved the United States. Both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration exerted pressure to conclude the agreement, despite concerns about Hamas rearmament and internal friction within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. 

Sources informed Digital that a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, led to a breakthrough, persuading Netanyahu to accept the deal despite threats from a right-wing party to leave the coalition if it were approved.

On Wednesday, Trump commended his negotiators. “With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven,” the president-elect said on TRUTH Social. “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!”

“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House,” Trump added. “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!

The agreement stipulates the release of three hostages on the first day, followed by weekly groups. Women, children, and men over 50 will receive priority initially, with younger men in humanitarian situations included later. Updates on hostages’ conditions will alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who perished in captivity.

The operation’s success hinges on substantial coordination among the IDF, Shin Bet, Israeli Police, the Ministry of Health, the International Red Cross, and Egyptian authorities. Over 42 days, 33 Israeli hostages are expected to be released. Early releases will focus on civilian women, children, and female soldiers, followed by elderly men. The final hostage in this group is scheduled for release on the 42nd day.

HAMAS HAS ACCEPTED DRAFT AGREEMENT FOR GAZA CEASE-FIRE, HOSTAGE RELEASE: OFFICIALS

On the 16th day, phase two will commence, focusing on the release of younger men, soldiers, and the return of remains. Netanyahu assured hostage families that every captive is accounted for in the agreement. Around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange; however, those convicted of murder will not return to the West Bank but will be sent to Gaza, Qatar, or Turkey.

The ceasefire will also facilitate substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be permitted to return to northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will oversee vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings will not require checks. The IDF will withdraw from the but maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphi Route.

While intelligence on hostages’ conditions remains limited, assessments indicate that most are alive. Before each release, Israel will receive updated information on their identities and health. The International Red Cross will oversee their transfer from Gaza to Israel, ensuring safety and addressing logistical challenges.

Upon arrival in Israel, hostages will undergo identity verification and initial questioning. Medical teams will provide immediate care at the border, with those needing further treatment airlifted to hospitals. After receiving care, hostages will be reunited with their families.

Israel’s security forces are preparing for various scenarios to guarantee operational success while maintaining stability. The coming weeks will be tense and emotional as families and the nation anticipate the return of those held captive, including seven Americans, after this prolonged conflict.