Ceasefire Agreement and Hostage Deal Announced Between Israel and Hamas after 15 Months of Conflict

Thousands of people flooded the streets of Gaza Wednesday night as news broke of a ceasefire agreement and a hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, following 15 months of intense bloodshed. The announcement was made by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, who confirmed that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cautioned that some final details were still being worked out.

The deal, mediated by Qatar, aims to bring an end to the devastating violence that has claimed thousands of lives, with both sides agreeing to a cessation of hostilities and the release of hostages. The first phase of the agreement involves Hamas releasing 33 captives, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Celebrations erupted in Gaza as the news spread, while demonstrators in Tel Aviv called for the safe return of all hostages. For many in Gaza, the agreement offers a glimmer of hope after more than a year of destruction. “I can’t believe that this nightmare is finally coming to an end. We have lost so many people, we’ve lost everything,” said Randa Sameeh, a displaced woman now living in the Nuseirat refugee camp.