Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, ending over 460 days of conflict that devastated Gaza.
The deal, confirmed by Qatar, the US, and Israel, will take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. It includes a temporary halt to hostilities, a prisoner exchange, and efforts to help displaced Palestinians return to their homes, many of which have been destroyed by Israeli military operations.
In the first phase, the ceasefire will last six weeks, during which Israel will release Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli captives. Israel will also partially withdraw troops from Gaza and allow humanitarian aid, with up to 600 trucks entering daily.
Discussions are ongoing for the second and third phases, focusing on further troop withdrawals and plans for Gaza’s reconstruction and governance, potentially with international support.