(The Post News)– After over 15 months of Israel’s brutal conflict with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, both parties have consented to a ceasefire agreement that will halt hostilities and release certain Israeli hostages in return for the liberation of Palestinian prisoners, U.S. and Qatari representatives announced Wednesday.
US President Joe Biden highlighted the humanitarian consequences of the agreement, declaring, “Countless innocent lives have been lost, and numerous communities have been devastated. With this agreement, the inhabitants of Gaza can at last restore and reconstruct. He also pointed out that the deal has clauses allowing Palestinians to go back to their residences and obtain enhanced humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, in a Telegram statement, Hamas announced the cease-fire, describing it as an “accomplishment for our people” and commending the “legendary resilience” of Gazans throughout the conflict.
President-elect Donald Trump also shared the hostage agreement on social media, stating that the hostages will be freed “soon.” Trump had earlier warned of serious repercussions if a deal was not struck before his Jan. 20 inauguration, a stance that some officials attributed to speeding up negotiations. Although Trump is recognized for his love of show and exaggeration, his role in shattering the ceasefire deadlock has been broadly recognized beyond just his closest supporters. In Israel, certain media reports implied that Trump’s participation was the key element in the achievement.
According to three current U.S. officials, the Biden administration’s willingness to welcome the Trump team’s participation in the negotiations was based on much more than the president-elect’s sway with Netanyahu and his warnings to finalize an agreement before returning to the White House. The bodies and remains held by each side will be swapped once they are identified.
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