Historic Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Gaza: Trump and Biden's Joint Efforts Yield Results
Unlikely alliance between outgoing and incoming US administrations facilitates a major breakthrough in the Gaza conflict.
In an unexpected diplomatic breakthrough, a significant ceasefire agreement in Gaza has been successfully negotiated thanks in part to unprecedented cooperation between former US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump.
This collaborative effort has paved the way for a deal allowing the exchange of hostages and a pause in the protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday, marks a key development in the region, following the intensive multilateral negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will release 737 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and minors, in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
This initial phase of the deal will last for six weeks, with hopes for further peace talks to follow.
The outgoing Biden administration had laid much of the groundwork for the ceasefire, but the final push came when President-elect Trump's team, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, put pressure on the parties involved to finalize the agreement.
Negotiations took place in Doha, Qatar, with representatives from both Israeli and Palestinian sides commuting daily to discuss the terms.
Israel's approval of the agreement, which was ratified by the cabinet, represents a notable shift in policy, as the deal was met with significant opposition from Israeli hardliners.
Nonetheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured the necessary backing to move forward, partly thanks to concessions from the U.S. ensuring support for Israel should discussions for a second phase falter.
As the ceasefire is implemented, aid organizations prepare for a significant influx of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where civilian infrastructure has been deeply affected by the conflict.
The local health ministry reported that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, and thousands remain unburied or missing in the devastation.
The current ceasefire agreement provides temporary relief while leaving the topic of Gaza's long-term governance open for continued discussions.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared readiness to assume responsibility in postwar Gaza, aiming for stability and reconstruction in coordination with international partners.
The agreement's success also highlights the role of Egypt, whose mediating influence proved critical in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Egyptian-brokered talks have, over the months, helped de-escalate tensions and will continue to play a vital role in further negotiations.
Despite the historic nature of the ceasefire, questions about the durability of peace in the region persist.
The international community remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to address underlying issues and prevent future hostilities.
This collaborative effort has paved the way for a deal allowing the exchange of hostages and a pause in the protracted 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The ceasefire, set to begin on Sunday, marks a key development in the region, following the intensive multilateral negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
Under the terms of the agreement, Israel will release 737 Palestinian prisoners, mainly women and minors, in exchange for 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.
This initial phase of the deal will last for six weeks, with hopes for further peace talks to follow.
The outgoing Biden administration had laid much of the groundwork for the ceasefire, but the final push came when President-elect Trump's team, led by envoy Steve Witkoff, put pressure on the parties involved to finalize the agreement.
Negotiations took place in Doha, Qatar, with representatives from both Israeli and Palestinian sides commuting daily to discuss the terms.
Israel's approval of the agreement, which was ratified by the cabinet, represents a notable shift in policy, as the deal was met with significant opposition from Israeli hardliners.
Nonetheless, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu secured the necessary backing to move forward, partly thanks to concessions from the U.S. ensuring support for Israel should discussions for a second phase falter.
As the ceasefire is implemented, aid organizations prepare for a significant influx of humanitarian assistance into Gaza, where civilian infrastructure has been deeply affected by the conflict.
The local health ministry reported that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, and thousands remain unburied or missing in the devastation.
The current ceasefire agreement provides temporary relief while leaving the topic of Gaza's long-term governance open for continued discussions.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas declared readiness to assume responsibility in postwar Gaza, aiming for stability and reconstruction in coordination with international partners.
The agreement's success also highlights the role of Egypt, whose mediating influence proved critical in facilitating dialogue between the conflicting parties.
Egyptian-brokered talks have, over the months, helped de-escalate tensions and will continue to play a vital role in further negotiations.
Despite the historic nature of the ceasefire, questions about the durability of peace in the region persist.
The international community remains cautiously optimistic, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts to address underlying issues and prevent future hostilities.
