New Delhi: Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to stop fighting in Gaza and exchange Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The pact, which came after months of negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar with US support, could possibly end the 15-month strife in the Middle East. The agreement comes just ahead of the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
According to an AP report, Qatari and Hamas officials stated that a last-minute dispute in the ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas was resolved. Qatar’s prime minister, who has been brokering the talks, held separate meetings with both Hamas and Israeli delegations. The dispute was resolved shortly thereafter, according to a Qatari official.
On October 7, 2023, Israeli troops entered Gaza after Hamas-led gunmen breached security barriers and attacked Israeli communities. This resulted in the deaths of 1,200 soldiers and civilians and the abduction of more than 250 foreign and Israeli hostages. Israel’s continued campaign in Gaza has led to more than 46,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry.
