Hamas-Israel Conflict
The international community, including the United States, expressed collective relief late Wednesday as Hamas and Israel finalized a historic ceasefire agreement, bringing an end to the 15-month-long war in the Gaza Strip.
The breakthrough was achieved through a three-step deal brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, signaling a significant diplomatic accomplishment amidst prolonged violence.
The accord was confirmed by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who announced at a news conference in Doha that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday.
The phased plan includes a six-week initial ceasefire, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza’s populated areas, and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
President Joe Biden described the deal as a crucial step toward peace, emphasizing its humanitarian impact. “This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,” Biden said in Washington.
He added that the first phase involves a complete cessation of violence and a withdrawal of forces.
President-elect Donald Trump also hailed the agreement, stating on Truth Social: “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!” He highlighted the ongoing efforts of his national security team to ensure Gaza does not become a haven for terrorism again.
Global leaders echoed similar sentiments. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres pledged UN support for the deal’s implementation and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
European Commission President Ursula Von Der Leyen called the agreement a “beacon of hope” and urged both sides to fully implement it, seeing it as a stepping stone toward long-term stability and a two-state solution.
Leaders from Turkey, Egypt, Belgium, Germany, and the UK also welcomed the ceasefire, underscoring its potential to end the suffering and lead to lasting peace. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer stressed the need for humanitarian aid and a focus on achieving a two-state solution.
Meanwhile, Hamas’s acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya declared that Israel had failed to achieve its objectives, vowing that the group would neither forgive nor forget the destruction.
As the region takes cautious steps toward stability, the international community remains hopeful that the ceasefire will mark a turning point in the long-standing conflict.
