Doha, Jan 16 (NationPress) Israel and Hamas have come to an agreement regarding a ceasefire-for-hostages arrangement in Gaza, following extensive mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, as announced by Qatar's Prime Minister.

This agreement initiates a 42-day period during which hostilities that have persisted for over 15 months in Gaza will cease. The Israeli military is expected to withdraw from populated regions to the outskirts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes in the Gaza Strip, according to the Xinhua news agency.

Humanitarian assistance will be significantly increased, with 600 trucks expected to enter Gaza daily, including 50 trucks carrying essential fuel to restore electricity in the area, as reported by Israel's state-owned Kan TV.

During a press briefing, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement to exchange hostages and prisoners, aiming to establish a sustainable peace and ultimately pursue a permanent ceasefire. The implementation of this agreement is scheduled to commence on Sunday, January 19, with Hamas set to release 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the initial phase. Further details regarding subsequent phases will be disclosed later.

A joint statement from Qatar, Egypt, and the US confirmed their roles as guarantors of the ceasefire agreement, expressing their commitment to ensuring the full implementation of all three stages of the ceasefire by both parties.

US President Joe Biden remarked from the White House that the agreement represented one of the most challenging negotiations he has encountered, emphasizing the objective of concluding the conflict. Over the next six weeks, he stated, Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements for a permanent cessation of hostilities.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, stating that relieving the immense suffering caused by this conflict must be a priority. He affirmed that the UN is prepared to assist in its implementation and provide ongoing humanitarian relief to the Palestinian people. Guterres also called on all parties to strive towards a negotiated two-state solution as a pressing priority.

Hamas celebrated the agreement as a significant victory, with senior official Khalil al-Hayya commending the determination and sacrifices of the Palestinian people.

The Israeli Security Cabinet and government are scheduled to meet on Thursday for two consecutive sessions to vote on the agreement. While Prime Minister Netanyahu appears to have majority support, key coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have threatened to exit the government unless there is a clear commitment to resume military actions in Gaza following the return of the hostages. Such actions could jeopardize Netanyahu's majority, potentially leading to early elections.

Israel's ceremonial President Isaac Herzog urged the government to approve the agreement, describing it as a critical and necessary initiative.

This deal, originally proposed in May 2024, follows nearly a year of intermittent indirect discussions between Israel and Hamas, culminating in four days of intensive negotiations in Doha.

The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an assault on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 fatalities and around 250 hostages taken. Israel's retaliatory actions in Gaza have claimed the lives of over 46,700 individuals and devastated much of the territory, according to health authorities in Gaza.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi expressed his approval of the ceasefire agreement, reached after extensive efforts mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States.

Meanwhile, Egyptian state television reported that preparations are underway to open the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the region.

According to an unnamed senior source cited by state television, Egypt is preparing to send the maximum amount of aid possible to Gaza.

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) voiced its robust support for the newly announced ceasefire agreement, as well as for the release of detainees, hostages, and captives.

UAE's Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan urged both parties to adhere to their commitments under the agreement, emphasizing the need for relief for Palestinian detainees and Israeli hostages.