Israel and Hamas have agreed a ceasefire starting on Sunday to halt the devastating 15-month war in Gaza, Qatar’s Prime Minister says.
Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the deal will lead to the release of Israeli captives and surging humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli forces stepped up attacks on Gaza, bombing a school-turned-shelter and several homes across the Strip, and killing at least 62 people over the latest 24-hour reporting period.
Israel’s war in Gaza has killed at least 46,707 Palestinians 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.
Qatar, Egypt and the US’ efforts to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza have been successful. Qatar and Egypt will work to ensure the implementation of the agreement.
Momentum towards this breakthrough had been building over the course of the past month. The ceasefire deal will take effect on Sunday, January 19.
Hamas agreed to release 33 Israeli captives during the first phase of the deal, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The first phase of the deal will last 42 days.
- Israeli military announces preparations for return of captives