After 15 months of conflict, a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been confirmed, with plans to release hostages and prisoners on both sides. The deal, brokered by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt, follows a humanitarian crisis in Gaza and comes after extended negotiations.
Hamas official Basem Naim expressed relief at the agreement but lamented that similar terms could have been reached months earlier. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to secure rapid Cabinet approval, potentially enabling the ceasefire to start Friday, with hostages released Sunday.
The war, triggered by Hamas’ Oct. 7 attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and captured 250 hostages, has devastated Gaza. Over 46,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have reportedly died, according to Gaza health officials. Previous hostage exchanges paused hostilities briefly in late 2023.
The ceasefire underscores international divisions, with Netanyahu facing domestic pressures from families of hostages and hardliners. Allegations of war crimes against both sides, including an International Criminal Court warrant for Netanyahu, add to global scrutiny.
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