Wed Jan 15 17:56:49 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire Deal Reached, but Israeli Doubts Remain

**Doha, Qatar/Jerusalem, Israel –** A potential end to the 15-month Gaza conflict is in sight, with Qatar announcing a mediated agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. The deal, announced Wednesday by Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, is slated to begin Sunday, January 19th.

The agreement outlines a three-phase process. The initial six-week phase involves a phased Israeli withdrawal from central Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to northern Gaza. Simultaneously, Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives, including all female soldiers, civilians, children, and elderly. Subsequent phases will involve the release of remaining captives, a full Israeli withdrawal, and the return of bodies and reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

While Qatar, the US, and Egypt confirmed the agreement, Israel expressed reservations. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that “several clauses in the framework remain unresolved,” indicating that final details are still being negotiated. A cabinet meeting is expected to take place in Israel on Thursday to discuss the proposal.

Despite the announced deal, violence continues in Gaza. At least 59 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks on Wednesday alone, bringing the overall death toll since the war began to at least 46,707, according to the Gaza Ministry of Health. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with widespread destruction, ongoing attacks, and limited access to aid. Reports of attacks on residential homes and healthcare facilities continue, adding to the suffering of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.

US President Joe Biden stated the proposal aligns with a plan he outlined in May, crediting both pressure on Hamas and American diplomacy for the breakthrough. President-elect Donald Trump also weighed in, claiming the agreement was a result of his previous administration’s actions. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi welcomed the deal and emphasized the need for rapid humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza. The ongoing uncertainty surrounding Israeli approval highlights the fragile nature of this potential breakthrough in the long-running conflict.

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