The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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By:Abdihakim Siyad
Israel and Hamas have agreed a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal following 15 months of war, mediators Qatar and the US say.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani said the agreement would come into effect on Sunday so long as it was approved by the Israeli cabinet.
Israel has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians since its war on the enclave began in October 2023.
The deal includes a temporary ceasefire that will, now, bring to an end the destruction upon Gaza, as well as the release of captives held in Gaza and many of the prisoners held by Israel. The deal will also, finally, allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes – though after Israel’s deliberate destruction campaign, many homes no longer remain.
Recap on the War
Israel’s war in Gaza has killed at least 46,707Palestinians and wounded 110,265 since October 7, 2023. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day and more than 200 were taken captive.
What happened
Qatar, Egypt and the United States announced that Hamas and Israel have reached a deal that halts the war in Gaza and leads to the release of Israeli captives in the territory.
Mediators said the deal will go effect into Sunday and starts with a 42-day period that would see the release of 33 Israeli captives and a number of Palestinian prisoners.
Hamas lauded the agreement, saying that Palestinians have thwarted the goals of Israel’s “war of extermination”.
Incoming US President Donald Trump claimed credit for the “epic” agreement, suggesting that his Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff helped push it over the line.
Displaced people in Gaza celebrated the deal expressing relief over being able to return to their homes even if they are destroyed.
