Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire after more than 460 days of intense war that has devastated Gaza.
The deal, confirmed by Israel, Qatar, and the United States, is set to come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
The agreement will temporarily end the violence and lead to the release of captives from both sides, with many Palestinian prisoners being freed in exchange for Israeli hostages.
The ceasefire deal also includes provisions for the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and the resumption of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire, lasting six weeks, will involve the exchange of prisoners, a partial Israeli troop withdrawal, and an influx of aid.
Thirty-three Israeli captives will be released, while Israel will free a larger number of Palestinian prisoners, including those detained after October 7, 2023.
Israel will also allow the return of civilians to Gaza’s northern areas and facilitate up to 600 trucks of humanitarian aid per day.
Although the deal is a step forward, the second and third phases are still under negotiation, with the possibility of further troop withdrawals and additional measures to address Gaza’s reconstruction and governance.
