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In a significant diplomatic breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have reached a deal that will lead to the release of hostages and temporarily halt the ongoing conflict in Gaza, as announced by President-elect Donald Trump on Wednesday.
Trump shared the news on Truth Social, making two separate posts. In his initial announcement, he declared in capital letters, “We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East. They will be released shortly. Thank you!”
The agreement marks a potential turning point in the devastating 15-month conflict that has ravaged the Gaza Strip, representing the most severe clash between these long-standing adversaries.
Joe Biden is asked by a reporter who gets credit for the peace deal in the Middle East.
Biden responds, “Is that a joke?”.
The real answer is Trump made peace a reality thanks to the ultimatum he gave to Hamas.
Biden knows this.pic.twitter.com/GbFHsoa74H
— Paul A. Szypula 🇺🇸 (@Bubblebathgirl) January 15, 2025
Trump followed up with another post expressing his views on the deal’s significance: “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.
“With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven.
“We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!
“We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!”
According to an official familiar with the agreement, the initial six-week phase includes the release of 33 hostages, with a minimum of three individuals being freed weekly. The arrangement also provides for the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody and enables displaced Gaza residents to return to their remaining homes while facilitating crucial humanitarian aid delivery.
While three U.S. officials and one Hamas representative have confirmed the agreement, an Israeli official indicated some details are still being finalized. President Biden is scheduled to address this development later Thursday, with Netanyahu’s Cabinet’s approval pending before implementation.
Don't get it twisted. Israel and Hamas only agreed to a ceasefire after President Trump made them do it and not whatever Joe Biden claims he did.
Trump told both sides he wanted a deal made before his Inauguration, and it happened just like that.
pic.twitter.com/q9E7YtiYB8— George (@BehizyTweets) January 15, 2025
The war erupted following Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli deaths and 250 hostages taken. Israel’s subsequent military response has led to over 46,000 Palestinian casualties, according to local health authorities, and displaced about 90% of Gaza’s population.
Palestinian father Abed Radwan expressed his joy about the ceasefire: “The best day in my life and the life of the Gaza people. Thank God. Thank God.” Speaking to AP by phone amid celebratory sounds, he added, “People are crying here. They don’t believe it’s true.”
The deal, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, follows a previous November 2023 truce that saw over 100 hostages freed. While critical questions about Gaza’s future governance and reconstruction remain unresolved, this agreement represents the first promising step toward potentially ending the region’s most devastating conflict.
