Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNS):A ceasefire deal aimed at halting the ongoing fighting in Gaza and facilitating the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners is close to being finalized, according to a Reuters report on January 15. The agreement, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with US support, could mark a turning point in the 15-month-long war that has devastated the region.
The deal, expected to be confirmed before the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump, outlines an initial six-week ceasefire. During this period, Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from Gaza, while Hamas will release hostages in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
The conflict escalated in October 2023 when Hamas-led gunmen breached Israeli security, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale invasion, resulting in over 46,000 deaths, according to Gaza’s health ministry. Many survivors remain displaced in dire conditions.
As Trump prepares to take office, he has pushed for a swift resolution, warning of consequences if hostages remain captive. His Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, has been working alongside President Joe Biden’s administration to finalize the deal. (KNS)