Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to halt the conflict in Gaza, which has spanned 15 months. The deal includes an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to an official familiar with the negotiations.
The breakthrough follows months of intermittent talks mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with strong backing from the United States. The agreement was finalized just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s January 20 inauguration.
The war began after Hamas fighters breached Israeli security on October 7, 2023, attacking communities and killing 1,200 Israeli soldiers and civilians while abducting over 250 hostages. The ensuing Israeli military response has devastated Gaza, claiming over 46,000 lives, according to the Gaza health ministry, and leaving countless residents displaced in makeshift shelters amid harsh winter conditions.
President-elect Trump had intensified pressure for a resolution, with his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, collaborating with the outgoing Biden administration to secure the deal. Trump warned of severe consequences if the hostages were not released before his inauguration.
The agreement may help ease domestic outrage against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the security lapses that led to the deadly October attack. Regionally, the conflict had escalated, drawing in Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Recent Israeli strikes targeting senior leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah are believed to have strengthened Israel’s position, contributing to the ceasefire.