Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Deal to End 15-Month Gaza War

What Happened?

Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas have reached a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza to take effect on Sunday.

According to reports, the measure will include the release of hostages, including two Americans, held there during the 15-month war that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians.

A six-week initial ceasefire will reportedly be a part of a phased outline.

The outline detailed that hostages held by Hamas would be freed in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Israel forces will also gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip as a part of the initial process.

The second phase of the deal would be intended to end the war on the 16th day of implementation.

'This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,' President Joe Biden said in a statement.

President-elect Donald Trump, who also took credit for the deal, said on Truth Social, 'I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.'

Why it Matters

A draft deal between Israel and Hamas was reportedly agreed to in principle Tuesday.

The Biden administration had reportedly drafted a detailed 'Day After' plan for when the Israeli military forces withdraw from Gaza.

Biden has said the aspirations of that plan would be up to Trump's team to shape the future of Gaza post-war during later plan phases.

Over two million residents displaced in Gaza are anxiously awaiting a return home.

Some experts believe that the days leading up to the deal will be difficult for those residents.

'The next three days will be extremely hard for the people of Gaza. A lot of people will die and, unfortunately, that also suggests that the war itself is not over,' senior lecturer Andreas Krieg told Al Jazeera.

According to reports, 32 people have been killed after the deal announcement by a series of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City and the northern strip.

Pro-Palestinian activists have reportedly demanded an arms embargo against Israel.

U.S. policy has remained unchanged on the matter.

How it Affects You

Biden's long-sought deal brings new optimism that change is still on the horizon for peace in the Middle East.

President-elect Trump will soon enter office during a critical period as the world seeks a long-term solution between the parties.

Trump's administration will be tasked with ensuring an international presence across Gaza to help Palestinians rebuild and address security concerns during that process.