Israel & Hamas Reach Ceasefire, Hostages to Be Released in Phases According to New Deal

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to pause the fighting in Gaza and begin the phased release of hostages, 15 months after the war started in October 2023.

Sources told CNN that the Israeli government and Hamas agreed to the deal on Wednesday (January 15) and the ceasefire will reportedly begin on Sunday (January 19). The deal has not yet been formally announced, but details have been revealed in the media.

Hamas still holds 94 people who were taken from Israel on October 7, 2023, plus four hostages who have been held captive since 2014. Many of the hostages are believed to be dead.

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During the first phase of the deal, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages and Israel is expected to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners at the same time.

Israel and Hamas will begin negotiations for the second phase on the 16th day of the deal. The second phase is intended to end the war.

Once the ceasefire begins, Palestinian people are expected to return to Gaza, though Hamas has informed residents to not move until the official start of the ceasefire.

“The Government Media Office calls on the honorable citizens not to move before the official start of the ceasefire, and to obtain information about the timing of the ceasefire from official sources,” Hamas said in a press release.

President-elect Donald Trump reacted to the hostage deal on Truth Social.

“WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!” he posted.