Ceasefire brokered: Hope and celebration in Gaza and Tel Aviv
Thousands of residents in Gaza and Tel Aviv are celebrating in the streets following the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, report AFP and Associated Press. The agreement has been confirmed by Hamas and representatives from Qatar, who acted as mediators in the negotiations. The Times of Israel reports that Israel is finalising the last details of the deal.
The ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is becoming a reality, according to Associated Press and AFP. It includes the release of hostages taken by Hamas on 7th October 2023. Representatives of Qatar, who mediated the talks, and Hamas have confirmed the agreement. It will bring an end to the 15-month long bloody Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. People take to the streets
The Israeli government has not yet commented on these reports. Nevertheless, the Times of Israel, citing "a high-ranking Israeli official familiar with the negotiations," stated that Hamas has "yielded" on demands regarding the Philadelphi Corridor. It was noted that some details still need to be worked out.
American correspondent for the Times of Israel, Jacob Magid, reported on the platform X that the announcement of the ceasefire by politicians is a matter of "a few hours." He cited representatives of the US and Saudi Arabian governments involved in the peace talks.
The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) have not responded to reports of the ceasefire. On Tuesday, 14th January, they published a post on the platform X stating that Hamas militants will go so far as to place rocket launchers in a coffin.
Credit for the agreement has been claimed by US President-elect Donald Trump and his incoming administration. "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," Trump wrote on the platform Truth Social. He assured that as soon as he returns to the White House, the world can expect more such "victories." His inauguration will take place on 20th January.
