ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was announced on Wednesday after arduous negotiations involving Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. This development comes after more than 15 months of a devastating conflict between both sides. "The two belligerents in the Gaza Strip have reached a deal on the prisoner and the hostage swap, and [the mediators] announce a ceasefire in the hopes of reaching a permanent ceasefire between the two sides," Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced in a press conference late Wednesday. The agreement comes after months of arduous, on-and-off negotiations mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. It was finalized just days before President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20. "Phase One will last six weeks. It includes a full and complete ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from all the populated areas of Gaza, and the release of a number of hostages held by Hamas," Outgoing US President Joe Biden said in a speech at the White House. He added that in the following six weeks Israel “will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get phase two, which is a permanent end of the war." Palestinian Hamas militants launched a large-scale incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing more than 1,170 people, according to Israeli figures. Israel responded with a massive ongoing offensive in Gaza, killing more than 46,000 people, mostly civilians, according to the Palestinian health ministry. The Qatari prime minister told reporters that “Hamas will be releasing 33 Israeli captives… in return for a number of prisoners who are being held in Israeli prisons.” He added that a joint team between the US, Qatar, and Egypt will monitor the ceasefire starting on Sunday via a Cairo-based body. “The ceasefire agreement is a result of the legendary steadfastness of our great Palestinian people and our valiant resistance in the Gaza Strip," Hamas said, reported AFP. "We are waiting for the de-escalation to stop the massacre and genocide, and for people to return to their homes and places," Mahmoud Wafi, a citizen from Gaza's southern city of Khan Younis, told Rudaw earlier on Wednesday. Negotiators were trying to finalize a deal on Wednesday after eight hours of talks in Doha. "By God, we are waiting for the de-escalation to stop the bloodshed of the Palestinian people, particularly the people of Gaza. And to restore and rebuild Gaza's infrastructure. Because more than 70 or 80% of homes in Gaza have been demolished, removed, or destroyed from Rafah to northern Jabalia camp," said Ashraf Ghilan, another Palestinian citizen from Khan Younis.
Middle East05-06-2026Oman's main oil firm says production normal at northeastern terminal amid attack reports
Middle East05-06-2026Hezbollah rejects US-brokered Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, vows response to Israeli strikes
Middle East05-06-2026US advises citizens against travel to Middle East, flags high risk for Iran, Iraq
