President Joe Biden announced that Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire, ending more than 15 months of conflict in Gaza.

The deal, Reuters reported, will unfold in key phases:

  • Initial phase: A six-week ceasefire during which Hamas will release 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, who were captured in October 2023. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and withdraw from populated areas of Gaza.
  • Later phase: Aimed at releasing remaining hostages, including male soldiers, and completing the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The final phase will focus on Gaza’s reconstruction.

Biden noted that “Americans will be part of that hostage release on phase one.”

Humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza, as well as international mediation, also remain part of the deal.

The ceasefire is the result of extensive diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, according to HuffPost. President Biden acknowledged the challenging nature of the negotiations, describing them as among the most difficult he has experienced.

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“More than 15 months of terror for the hostages, their families, the Israeli people. More than 15 months of suffering by the innocent people of Gaza. Fighting in Gaza will stop. And soon the hostages will return home to their families,” Biden said at an afternoon news conference on January 15.

While the ceasefire marks a significant step toward peace, its success will depend on the commitment of both parties to adhere to the terms and the effective implementation of subsequent phases, particularly concerning the reconstruction of Gaza and the resolution of underlying conflicts.

Both outgoing President Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have expressed support for the agreement. Trump’s team was involved in the negotiation process during the transition period, indicating a unified U.S. stance on the ceasefire.

At the close of the event, a reporter shouted at the president: “Who deserves credit for this Mr. President, you or Trump?”

“Is that a joke?” Biden quipped.