BREAKING: Israel, Hamas Reach Ceasefire Deal to End Gaza War, “The Trump Effect”
- An armed conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been taking place in the Gaza Strip and Israel since October 7, 2023
- In a significant twist of event, both countries have agreed to end the war and release hostages captured by Hamas-led militants during their 2023 attack on Israel, in exchange for Palestinians held in Israeli prisons
- The incoming US President Donald Trump has reacted to the deal reportedly struck by Israel and Hamas
Legit.ng journalist Esther Odili has over two years of experience covering political parties and movements.
On Wednesday, January 15, a ceasefire deal was reached to end 15 months of fighting in the Gaza Strip.
Source: Getty Images
Israel-Hamas reach ceasefire, hostage agreement
Sources disclosed to the BBC that the deal follows months of talks, with Qatar as one of the key mediators.
Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 back to Gaza as hostages.
The attack triggered a massive Israeli offensive on Gaza, during which more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel says 94 of the hostages are still being held by Hamas, of whom 34 are presumed dead.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Trump reacts to agreement
Source: Getty Images
As reported by Reuters, Donald Trump, the incoming president of the United States of America (USA) said on Wednesday, that he would use the Gaza ceasefire deal as momentum to expand the Abraham Accords, U.S.-backed agreements struck during the president-elect's first term that normalized Israel's relations with several Arab countries.
"We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!" Donald Trump said on his Truth Social network, before there was any official announcement from outgoing President Joe Biden's White House.
Trump also confirmed the development in a post shared on his Facebook page on Wednesday.
Donald Trump wrote:
"This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.
"With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!
"We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!
Israel and Hamas have not officially announced a deal, although senior Hamas official Basem Naim confirmed to NBC News the militant group had agreed to it.
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Palestinian economy severely impacted by Gaza war
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza is having a severe impact on the Palestinian economy, according to the World Bank, which now estimates sharp economic contraction this year and next.
The conflict, sparked by Hamas' cross-border attacks on October 7, 2023, has killed over 1,200 people, according to Israeli figures, and saw around more than 240 hostages taken back to Gaza.
The UN estimates 1.9 million of Gaza's 2.4 million people have been displaced by the war, half of them children.
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Source: Legit.ng
