President-elect Donald Trump celebrated the announcement of a groundbreaking ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, hailing it as a pivotal step toward peace in the Middle East. The deal, brokered with the involvement of U.S., Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials, promises the release of hostages and an end to over 15 months of deadly conflict.
“This EPIC ceasefire agreement could only happen as a result of our Historic Victory in November,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. He emphasized the role of his incoming administration’s foreign policy vision, vowing to ensure Gaza never again serves as a terrorist haven and to strengthen regional stability through initiatives like the Abraham Accords.
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The deal was mediated in Doha, with President Biden’s Middle East adviser Brett McGurk and Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff working collaboratively to push for its approval. The agreement signals a rare moment of bipartisan diplomatic cooperation.
“This agreement is a testament to the effectiveness of strong, unwavering diplomacy,” President Biden said in a statement, adding that several U.S. hostages would be released as part of the deal.
President-elect Trump underscored his administration’s commitment to “Peace Through Strength,” emphasizing the role of the U.S. as a global peace negotiator. He pledged to build upon the Abraham Accords and solidify alliances with Israel and other nations in the region.
“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return,” Trump stated.
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While the agreement represents a significant step toward de-escalating violence, its implementation will be closely monitored by a U.S.-Egyptian-Qatari team in Cairo. The second phase of negotiations, focused on a long-term ceasefire and further hostages’ release, will determine the ultimate success of the agreement.
Key Terms of the Agreement
- Hostage Releases: The first phase will see the release of 33 hostages held in Gaza, including women, children, and individuals who are wounded or sick. Two Americans, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, are among the hostages expected to return home in this initial phase.
- Ceasefire Implementation: A six-week ceasefire will begin Sunday, with Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) gradually withdrawing to a buffer zone along Gaza’s border. Palestinians displaced by the conflict will be allowed to return to northern Gaza.
- Aid to Gaza: The agreement permits the entry of 600 daily aid trucks, including fuel, tents, and mobile homes, to support displaced Palestinians.
- Prisoner Exchange: Approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released in exchange for hostages, with final numbers dependent on confirmation of hostages’ conditions.
- Second Phase Negotiations: On the 16th day of the ceasefire, Israel and Hamas will begin talks on the release of remaining hostages and a potential permanent ceasefire.
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