Cease-fire in Gaza: Israel and Hamas strike agreement

The agreement, which hinges on the exchange of prisoners, has been met with cautious optimism from both sides

Muslim Network TV

DOHA, Qatar  (MNTV) – In an historic breakthrough after months of devastating war, Israel and Palestinian resistance group Hamas have finally reached a cease-fire agreement aimed at ending the 15-month genocidal war in the occupied Palestinian territory of Gaza.

The deal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, marks a significant step toward ending one of the Middle East’s most bloody and savage wars that has brought indescribable misery to millions.

The agreement, which hinges on the exchange of prisoners, has been met with cautious optimism from both sides.

The ceasefire in Gaza is set to commence on Sunday, January 19, as announced by Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during a press conference.

He also stated that discussions with Israel and Hamas are ongoing regarding the implementation of the agreement.

The outgoing U.S. president said a dogged and painstaking American diplomacy led to the agreement.

“It is the result not only of the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” Biden said in a statement, noting that he put forward “the precise contours” of the plan in May of last year.

“My diplomacy never ceased in their efforts to get this done.”

He described the ceasefire as an outcome of one of toughest negotiations and diplomacy.

Key components of the agreement:

-Prisoner Exchange

At the heart of the ceasefire deal is the exchange of prisoners. Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli prisoners during the first phase, prioritizing women, children, and men over 50.

These include soldiers, civilians, and dual nationals held prisoners since October 7.

In return, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 who are serving life sentences.

According to Hamas spokesperson Basem Naim, “This agreement reflects our commitment to alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people and our steadfast pursuit of justice for those unlawfully imprisoned.”

The release process will unfold over six weeks, with three prisoners being freed weekly.

For each prisoner released, Israel will free dozens of Palestinian prisoners, ensuring a phased and balanced exchange.

-Military de-escalation and withdrawal

The agreement includes a 42-day truce, during which Israel will initiate a phased military withdrawal from key positions in Gaza, including the Netzarim Corridor.

Hamas has requested that Israeli forces retreat at least 700 meters from the Gaza border as a confidence-building measure.

Egypt and Qatar will oversee the withdrawal process to ensure compliance.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, a Qatari official stated, “This is a fragile but vital step forward. We will ensure that both parties adhere to the terms and that displaced residents can return safely to their homes.”

-Humanitarian aid and reconstruction

The ceasefire will allow for the delivery of much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, where hundreds of thousands have been displaced. The truce aims to create conditions for the safe return of residents to northern Gaza and other war-torn areas.

“The destruction in Gaza is immense,” said Gaza’s Government Media Office in a statement.

“Our priority is to rebuild and provide shelter, food, and medical care to those who have endured unimaginable suffering.”

Qatar and Egypt will coordinate with humanitarian organizations to facilitate the reconstruction of Gaza, ensuring international assistance reaches those in need.

A deal brokered amid high stakes

The agreement is the result of intense backchannel diplomacy that began in Doha earlier this month. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt, alongside U.S. officials, played a critical role in brokering the deal.

President-elect Donald Trump confirmed the agreement on his social media platform, Truth Social, writing, “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!”

Trump had made the ‘hostage crisis’ a priority over the ending of relentless bloodshed in Gaza. He had repeatedly warned Hamas of severe consequences if the captives were not released before his inauguration on January 20, saying ‘all hell would break loose’ in the region.

His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, worked closely with President Joe Biden’s administration to expedite negotiations.

“This is a turning point for the region,” said Witkoff. “The focus is now on implementation and ensuring that this agreement holds. Both sides have shown remarkable restraint in reaching this point.”

Even though the cease-fire is a long awaited, welcome step, the Gaza war has exacted a staggering human toll. More than 46,600 Palestinians, including thousands of women and children, have been killed, according to local health officials.

The war has left Gaza’s infrastructure in ruins and its people in dire need of aid.

Fewer than 100 Israeli captives remain alive, owing to Israel’s relentless, indiscriminate bombing.

“This war has been a nightmare for both Israelis and Palestinians,” said a senior official from Egypt’s mediation team. “Ending the bloodshed and addressing the humanitarian crisis are urgent priorities.”

Hamas calls for caution

Resistance group Hamas has issued guidelines to Gaza residents to ensure safety during the transition. Residents have been urged to avoid devastated areas, report unexploded ordnance to authorities, and refrain from spreading unverified information.

In a statement on its Telegram channel, Hamas leadership emphasized the importance of the agreement. “The movement dealt with this proposal responsibly and positively, based on its responsibility towards our steadfast people in the honorable Gaza Strip,” it said.

Experts say, the success of the agreement will depend on its implementation and the goodwill of both parties. While the ceasefire offers a reprieve, challenges remain, including rebuilding trust and addressing the underlying issues fueling the conflict.

Future phases of the deal envision a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, the release of remaining prisoners, and large-scale reconstruction efforts. Qatar and Egypt are expected to play a central role in ensuring that these objectives are met.

“This is not just a ceasefire,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister. “It is a framework for peace and rebuilding. But it requires commitment and cooperation from all sides.”

As the world watches, the ceasefire agreement represents a rare moment of hope in a region long plagued by violence and division. For those displaced, bereaved, and wounded by the conflict, the deal offers a chance for healing and recovery.

“This is a moment of reckoning,” said a displaced Gaza resident, who has lived in a makeshift shelter for months. “We need this truce to hold. We need to rebuild our lives.”

Whether this fragile peace will endure remains uncertain, but for now, it is a crucial step toward ending one of the region’s darkest chapters.