Hamas and Israel Agree to End 15-Month War: Report

Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza and facilitate an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, according to media reports.

The news, reported by Reuters, suggests that the deal could mark a pivotal step toward ending the 15-month-long war that has wreaked havoc on the Middle East. The agreement comes after months of negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar, with support from the United States, and was finalized just before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20, 2024.

The deal outlines several key provisions, including a six-week ceasefire, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages held by Hamas, along with the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This marks a critical development in a war that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas initiated a large-scale attack on Israel, breaching security barriers and killing over 1,200 soldiers and civilians. During this attack, Hamas also abducted more than 250 Israeli and foreign hostages.

The deal was concluded after months of intermittent negotiations led by Egyptian and Qatari mediators, with U.S. support, just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump.

Trump, expressing his satisfaction, posted on social media,"we have a deal," days after he reiterated his demand for a swift resolution and warned of "hell to pay" if hostages were not released. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, collaborated with President Joe Biden's team to help push the deal across the finish line, according to reports.

Hamas, the dominant Palestinian militant group in Gaza, confirmed to Reuters that its delegation had given approval to the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages through the mediators.

Earlier, a Palestinian official had stated that Hamas verbally agreed to the ceasefire and hostage return proposal being negotiated in Qatar, awaiting additional details before providing final written approval.

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar announced he was cutting his European visit short to return to Israel overnight, intending to participate in security cabinet and government votes on the deal, which were expected to take place by Thursday.

The conflict erupted after Hamas-led gunmen breached security barriers and entered Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 soldiers and civilians, and abducting over 250 foreign and Israeli hostages.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 46,000 deaths, according to Gaza's health ministry, and left the region devastated, with hundreds of thousands forced to endure the winter in tents and makeshift shelters.