A six-week truce may include phased hostage releases, military withdrawal, and humanitarian aid.
The Biden administration announced Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas, bringing hope for the release of hostages and an end to 15 months of conflict. Biden detailed the deal during a press conference, confirming it will begin Sunday and includes the release of 33 hostages, an immediate halt to fighting, and an influx of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
“Soon, the hostages will be returned home to their families,” Biden said, adding that Americans are among those to be released in the initial phase.
The agreement follows negotiations mediated by officials from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. Incoming President Donald Trump’s team also participated in the talks.
The first six weeks will see a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza, and the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals. Among them are two Israeli Americans, Keith Siegel, 65, and Sagui Dekel-Chen, 36. Humanitarian aid will be significantly increased, with 600 trucks entering Gaza daily.
The second phase will involve negotiating the release of all remaining living hostages, a permanent end to the war, and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops. Talks are expected to extend beyond the initial six-week truce, with the ceasefire holding as long as discussions continue.
The final stage includes the return of the remains of deceased hostages and the launch of a reconstruction effort in Gaza.
Biden’s envoy Brett McGurk and Trump’s incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, attended the talks. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller emphasized the importance of Trump’s team in ensuring the deal’s continuity during the transition.
Trump has publicly supported the agreement, calling it “EPIC” and reaffirming his administration’s commitment to preventing Gaza from becoming a terrorist stronghold.
Families of hostages expressed relief at the prospect of reunification. Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, praised Trump’s firm stance on the hostage crisis. “That clear statement from the president-elect… it’s working,” he said.
Hamas officials celebrated the agreement as a victory, but critics warn of potential risks.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed a scheduled vote on the Gaza ceasefire deal, initially set for Thursday, citing Hamas’ attempts to introduce last-minute amendments to the agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken described the delay as addressing a “loose end” and expressed confidence that the ceasefire would proceed as planned, starting on Sunday.
