A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
The Israeli security cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal on Friday, January 17, 2025, bringing the long-standing and devastating 15-month conflict with Hamas closer to a potential resolution. This deal, which paves the way for the first hostages to be returned from Gaza as early as Sunday, January 19, aims to halt the violence that has razed Gaza and claimed the lives of over 46,000 people, while also addressing the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the region.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange Agreement
The ceasefire agreement comes as part of a broader three-stage plan that includes the return of 33 Israeli hostages, including all women, children, and men over 50, as well as a reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners. The first phase, slated to start on January 19, will see Israel release Palestinian women and children under the age of 19 detained in Israeli prisons. The total number of Palestinian prisoners released will depend on the number of hostages returned, and could range from 990 to 1,650.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, along with his security cabinet, signed off on the deal, which had earlier garnered support from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz and other senior officials. The deal's success is contingent on final approval by the full cabinet, which was meeting Friday afternoon. Despite continued Israeli airstrikes, which have killed at least 104 Palestinians since the deal's announcement, there are signs of cautious optimism within Gaza and Israel about the ceasefire's potential to halt the bloodshed.
International Mediation and Diplomatic Efforts
The ceasefire deal was reached with the help of key international mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, who have played pivotal roles in securing the agreement. U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump both made public statements welcoming the deal, with Trump expressing his support for Israel and his hopes for continued peace negotiations once he assumes office on January 20, 2025.
"Through the efforts of my team, we will continue to work closely with Israel to ensure that Gaza never again becomes a terrorist haven," Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform. "This ceasefire is just the beginning, and it is a testament to our commitment to peace through strength."
Celebrations and Protests in Gaza and Israel
The ceasefire news has been met with mixed emotions. In Gaza, families of hostages rejoiced at the prospect of their loved ones' return, while Palestinians mourned the victims of Israeli airstrikes that continued even after the announcement of the ceasefire. In the streets of Khan Younis and other parts of Gaza, people expressed relief, but some remained cautious, fearing the ceasefire might not hold.
Meanwhile, in Israel, protests erupted in response to the ceasefire deal. Some Israelis, particularly the families of hostages, expressed joy and hope that their loved ones would soon return, while others criticized the deal, citing concerns over the long-term security of Israel and its people.
The Road Ahead
The coming days will be critical in determining the future of the ceasefire. As Israeli and Palestinian negotiators work to implement the terms of the agreement, the international community will be watching closely to see if this ceasefire can lead to a more lasting peace. Meanwhile, in Gaza, the humanitarian situation remains dire, and the focus is now on ensuring that aid flows into the enclave to provide relief to the millions affected by the conflict.
For many, the return of the hostages is the first sign of hope in what has been a brutal and unrelenting war. However, the road to a permanent peace remains uncertain, with the threat of violence and political instability still looming over the region.
The outcome of this ceasefire deal could shape the Middle East for years to come, as it has the potential to influence future diplomatic negotiations and reshape the balance of power in the region. As the world watches, the focus will remain on whether this agreement can truly bring an end to the violence that has torn apart Gaza and Israel for over a year.
Key Points:
Ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas approved, with hostages set to be returned by Sunday, January 19, 2025.
First phase of the deal includes the release of Israeli and Palestinian prisoners.
Continued airstrikes in Gaza and ongoing protests in Israel highlight the fragile nature of the agreement.
International mediation efforts from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. played a key role in securing the ceasefire.
Israel's security cabinet met to discuss a ceasefire deal with Hamas and the release of hostages, with the first hostages expected to be freed on Sunday.
Shoppers in Khan Younis marketplace as Israel's cabinet prepares to approve a ceasefire deal with Hamas. The agreement includes a six-week truce, Israeli troop withdrawal, prisoner exchanges, and increased aid to Gaza, where millions face a humanitarian crisis.
Israel's cabinet is set to approve a ceasefire with Hamas, ending 15 months of conflict. The deal, including hostages' release and a six-week truce, follows ongoing airstrikes in Gaza. The ceasefire aims to ease the humanitarian crisis and halt the fighting devastating the region.
Israeli airstrikes killed at least 70 people in Gaza overnight, hours after a ceasefire deal was announced to end 15 months of conflict between Israel and Hamas. The deal, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., calls for a six-week truce and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Reports of a two-month halt in Azerbaijani gas supplies to Serbia are false. Despite a technical issue at Shah Deniz Alpha, Shah Deniz Bravo ensures steady exports, with supplies set to resume soon. BP confirms no damage or environmental impact.
Coast Guard divers Chuck Fox and Corey Smith from the US Cutter *Polar Star* successfully repaired a leaking shaft in the freezing waters of McMurdo Sound, Antarctica.
Azerbaijan has temporarily halted its contracted natural gas supply to Bulgaria following a technical issue at BP's Alpha platform in the Shah Deniz gas field.
As we welcome the new year, it’s time to focus on species needing urgent conservation in 2025. From delicate lizards to mighty hornbills and massive sharks, all face the threat of extinction.
Over 100 Paris 2024 Olympic medals were returned due to quality issues linked to EU regulations and an untested varnish formula. The IOC has pledged to replace all defective medals.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
Kazakh political scientist Dimash Alzhanov claims that the leaked transcripts of alleged conversations between AZAL pilots and Russian ground services are an attempt to exert informational pressure on Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan during the investigation into the December crash
Azerbaijan's commercial gas production saw a growth of over 6%, highlighting a significant boost in the country's energy sector. This increase contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as a key player in regional and global energy markets
Yesil Technology to build a $12M unmanned drone production facility in Kazakhstan, boosting innovation, local expertise, and Central Asia's low-altitude economy.
A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached, with hostages set to be released after over 15 months of conflict. The deal also includes a prisoner exchange, offering hope for peace despite ongoing violence in Gaza.
After the U.S. Supreme Court upheld a law that could ban TikTok over national security concerns, President Biden stated the final decision would rest with the next president, Donald Trump, who is reportedly considering a temporary delay of enforcement
A fire ravaged a shopping mall in Culiacán, Mexico, on January 16, 2025, causing significant damage, including the collapse of the roof housing a casino. Emergency responders worked to control the blaze, with one injury and two others treated for nervous breakdowns. Cause remains unknown.
Russia and Iran have agreed to intensify cooperation in developing international transport corridors, especially the North-South corridor. The move aims to improve trade flows and create smoother transportation conditions for goods traveling through both countries.
The Houthis, ruling northern Yemen, have claimed responsibility for the seventh drone attack on the US aircraft carrier USS Harry Truman since its arrival in the Red Sea. The group also warned it is monitoring developments in the Gaza Strip.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment