Israel & Hamas Finalise Ceasefire Agreement

Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire following over 15 months of Israeli aggression in Gaza, according to mediators involved in the negotiations. The agreement was reached after months of diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt and the United States, which intensified in recent weeks.

The ceasefire is set to unfold in three phases, based on frameworks discussed in earlier proposals. In the initial six-week phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages, most of whom are believed to be alive, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Subsequent phases are anticipated to include the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and measures to allow materials for reconstruction into the region.

The ceasefire was reached after the death toll in Gaza exceeded 46,600 and 163 journalists were murdered by Israeli Occupation Forces.