A ceasefire deal has been agreed upon by Israel and Hamas, following 15 months of war in Gaza, according to mediators Qatar and the US.
The agreement, which is set to take effect on Thursday, includes the release of hostages and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza. The deal also allows for the entry of hundreds of aid lorries into the territory each day.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani announced the agreement, stating that it would come into effect on Sunday, pending approval from the Israeli cabinet.
US President Joe Biden confirmed the deal, saying it would “halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families.”
The agreement has been met with celebration in Gaza, with many Palestinians taking to the streets to wave flags and cheer. However, the deal has also been met with skepticism, with some expressing concerns about the release of Palestinian prisoners and the withdrawal of Israeli forces.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of over 46,700 people and the displacement of more than 2.3 million. The territory has also suffered widespread destruction and severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.
The ceasefire deal is seen as a significant step towards ending the conflict, but its implementation and the release of hostages remain uncertain.
