Published: 16 January 2025
Last updated: 17 January 2025
After 15 months, the war between Hamas and Israel could finally be over. A three-phased ceasefire deal has been reached and announced during talks in Doha involving Israel, Hamas, the US, Qatar and Egypt.
Qatar's Prime Minister stated at a press conference on Wednesday night that the ceasefire will take effect on Sunday, with Qatar continuing to work alongside Egypt and the US to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
“It’s a very good afternoon, because at long last I can announce a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas after more than 15 months of conflict,” US President Joe Biden said in a televised statement.
The complex agreement outlines an initial six-week ceasefire, including the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
What is the deal?
First stage (42 days commence at 12.15pm Sunday)
Hamas will release 33 hostages, including female civilians and soldiers, children, and civilians over 50. Three hostages will be released on Sunday, with the remaining exchanges taking place over six weeks. Israel will release 30 Palestinian prisoners for each civilian hostage and 50 for each female soldier.
During this stage, Israeli troops will begin pulling out of populated areas in Gaza but remain along the Gaza-Egypt border, known as the Philadelphi Corridor. Displaced Palestinians will begin returning home as more aid enters the strip.
On the 16th day of the ceasefire, detailed negotiations for the second and third phases will commence. The draft agreement specifies that a deal on the second phase must be finalised by the end of the first. Hamas had sought written guarantees for a prolonged ceasefire but has accepted verbal guarantees from the United States, Egypt and Qatar.
