Israel and Hamas have reached a deal to halt fighting in Gaza and exchange hostages, according to an official briefed on the agreement. The deal, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with U.S. support, comes ahead of President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen broke through security barriers into Israeli communities, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign in Gaza that, according to Gaza health officials, has resulted in more than 46,000 deaths and left the territory in ruins. Thousands are now surviving in makeshift shelters during winter.
The hostage exchange could help reduce public criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, whose government faced backlash after the October 7 security breach, the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
The war also spread regionally, with attacks on Israel by Iran-backed groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen. Israel countered by assassinating key leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, gaining the upper hand before the agreement was finalized.
Trump’s team, working alongside outgoing President Joe Biden’s administration, pushed for swift action, with Trump warning of severe consequences if hostages weren’t freed. His envoy, Steve Witkoff, played a key role in finalizing the deal.
