Fri Jan 17 10:48:32 UTC 2025: ## Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal Reached, but Implementation Faces Challenges

**GAZA CITY/JERUSALEM** – A long-awaited ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, has been reached, paving the way for the phased release of hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The deal, expected to take effect Sunday, has been hailed as a “huge milestone” by US officials, but its implementation faces significant hurdles.

The agreement, confirmed by the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, involves a pause in fighting and a three-phase prisoner exchange. However, Israeli bombardments continued even after the deal’s announcement, resulting in the highest daily death toll in over a week – at least 86 Palestinians killed, including 23 children. International aid agencies have welcomed the deal but are calling for immediate and unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

While US envoy Amos Hochstein expressed optimism, stating that hostages would begin returning in a few days, he acknowledged the complexities ahead. President-elect Donald Trump has claimed the deal would not have been possible without his administration’s involvement, a claim disputed by some. The cooperation between the outgoing Biden and incoming Trump administrations was described as “almost unprecedented” by a senior Biden official.

However, the deal’s ratification in Israel faces significant political opposition. Members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing coalition, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have threatened to withdraw their support, potentially collapsing the government. Opposition leader Yair Lapid has offered Netanyahu support, but this could be conditional on the deal’s success. A cabinet vote, initially scheduled for Thursday, has been postponed due to reported last-minute disagreements with Hamas regarding prisoner releases.

Despite the setbacks, US officials remain confident the ceasefire will begin on Sunday. They emphasize the focus is on securing the release of hostages and ending the violence, regardless of political credit. The first phase is expected to see the release of three female hostages, with further releases contingent on the successful implementation of subsequent phases. The UN and other international bodies are urging all parties to uphold their commitments and facilitate a lasting peace. The situation remains highly volatile, and the long-term success of the deal remains uncertain.

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