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Israel and Hamas signed a historic ceasefire agreement this Wednesday, bringing an end to 15 months of a devastating conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of deaths in Gaza.
The agreement also includes the release of hostages taken by the Palestinian Islamist movement, a measure that marks an important milestone in the indirect negotiations between the parties.
The negotiations, which had stalled for weeks, picked up pace in recent days, coinciding with the upcoming inauguration of Donald Trump as President of the United States on January 20.
"Today, after many months of intense diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement. My diplomacy never ceased in its efforts to achieve this; I will speak more about it soon," expressed President Joe Biden following the signing of the agreement.
Trump, who had warned that if the hostages were not released he would bring hell to the Middle East, celebrated the agreement through his social network Truth Social: "We have an agreement for the release of the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon. Thank you," wrote the Republican.
The agreement was reached after a series of meetings in Doha, facilitated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, where Hamas negotiators met separately with Israeli representatives and the Qatari Prime Minister.
According to sources close to the negotiations, the ceasefire should bring an end to the intense bombings and clashes that have characterized the conflict since Hamas's attack in southern Israel on October 7, 2023.
According to sources from Hamas, in the first phase of the agreement, 33 hostages will be released, primarily women and children, in exchange for the release of one thousand Palestinians detained by Israel.
The second phase includes the release of the remaining hostages, including male soldiers and the bodies of those who have died.
The agreement comes after more than a year of intense fighting that began with the Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel and the abduction of 251 individuals.
Since then, Israel's response has resulted in the death of at least 46,707 people in Gaza, mostly civilians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
The war has caused an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the region and has faced rejection from a large part of the international community.
The announcement of the agreement was met with celebrations in Gaza, where residents expressed their hope that the truce marks the beginning of a new era of peace.
However, the violence did not cease immediately. On Wednesday, at least 27 people were killed in new bombings in Gaza, particularly in Deir al Balah and Gaza City, where an attack hit a school housing displaced persons.
The acceleration of negotiations occurred under the pressure of the international community and Donald Trump's warnings about a possible "hell" in the region if the hostages were not released before he took office.
The ceasefire leaves Gaza's political future in limbo. Israel has stated that it will not leave the Strip until all hostages are released, whether dead or alive. For its part, Hamas insists that Gaza's future must be determined by the Palestinians, without foreign interference.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken recently proposed the deployment of an international security force to Gaza and placing the territory under the responsibility of the UN, a measure that could be crucial for ensuring long-term stability in the region.
This agreement comes at a crucial moment, as tensions remain high and the international community seeks a lasting solution to the conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Peace Agreement between Israel and Hamas
What does the peace agreement between Israel and Hamas entail?
The peace agreement between Israel and Hamas includes a ceasefire and the release of hostages taken by Hamas. In the first phase, 33 hostages will be released, primarily women and children, in exchange for a thousand detained Palestinians, and in the second phase, the remaining hostages will be released, including male soldiers and the bodies of deceased captives.
What has been Donald Trump's role in the peace negotiations?
Donald Trump has played a pressure role in the negotiations, threatening with a "hell" in the Middle East if the hostages were not released before he took office. He celebrated the agreement through his social network, emphasizing the importance of the hostages' release.
How has the humanitarian situation in Gaza evolved during the conflict?
During the conflict, Gaza has faced a severe humanitarian crisis, with at least 46,707 people dead, the majority of whom are civilians, according to data from the Gazan Ministry of Health. The war has resulted in a trail of devastation, displacements, and urgent humanitarian assistance needs.
What reactions has the peace agreement in Gaza provoked?
In Gaza, the announcement of the agreement was met with celebrations and hope for a new era of peace. However, violence resumed immediately after the announcement, with bombings causing more casualties, reflecting the complexity and fragility of the situation in the region.
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