Wed Jan 15 23:47:12 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire Deal Reached: Hostage Exchange to Begin Sunday

**Doha/Jerusalem** – A ceasefire in Gaza, ending 15 months of conflict, is expected to begin this Sunday, following a deal brokered by Qatar that includes a phased prisoner and hostage exchange, according to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani.

The first phase, lasting 42 days, will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages currently held by Hamas in Gaza. These hostages, primarily women, children, the elderly, and those who are ill or injured, will be freed in exchange for the release of an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners. While Israeli sources state that hundreds of Palestinian prisoners will be released, sources close to Hamas suggest the number could be closer to 1,000, including those serving lengthy sentences. The exact number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in subsequent phases will be determined during the initial 42-day period.

Concurrently, Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza during the first phase to facilitate the exchange. A buffer zone, potentially extending up to 800 meters into Gaza, will remain in place. Further Israeli withdrawals are contingent upon the return of all hostages. Movement of residents within Gaza will be permitted, according to reports.

The ceasefire agreement, monitored by a joint committee involving Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, will be followed by further negotiations for phases two and three, which will focus on the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, and the return of the bodies of slain hostages. U.S. President Joe Biden has indicated that the second phase will lead to a permanent end to the war and a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.

While the agreement offers a glimmer of hope for an end to the conflict, significant details remain to be finalized during the first phase. The confirmation of the 33 hostages’ survival by Hamas is still pending. The Qatari Prime Minister urged calm in Gaza ahead of the ceasefire’s implementation, expressing hope that the agreement will mark a definitive end to the hostilities.

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