Israel and Hamas have reportedly agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, signaling a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict. President-elect Donald Trump acknowledged the development on Wednesday afternoon, commending the efforts behind the agreement.
While the Biden administration had not issued a formal statement by midday, an Israeli official confirmed the agreement and indicated optimism about a swift approval process.
The deal, if implemented, could mark the beginning of the end of a year-long cycle of violence that followed Hamas’s deadly attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, and Israel’s subsequent military response targeting the Gaza Strip. The conflict has resulted in significant casualties on both sides and widespread devastation, drawing international attention and calls for resolution.
The agreement’s terms require approval from Israel’s wartime Cabinet and the Knesset, followed by a period during which legal challenges can be brought before the Israeli Supreme Court. Despite these procedural hurdles, an Israeli official expressed confidence that the deal would advance quickly, with the potential for a ceasefire to take effect as early as Friday. This would not only halt ongoing hostilities but also facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas, a critical point of negotiation.
President-elect Trump, who has been vocal about the urgency of securing the hostages’ release, previously warned of escalating instability in the Middle East if action was not taken before his inauguration on Jan. 20. Working through his special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, Trump coordinated efforts with the Biden administration’s negotiators to broker the agreement. The collaboration represents a rare bipartisan effort in U.S. foreign policy amid heightened tensions in the region.
On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump shared his reaction to the news, emphasizing the significance of the agreement and expressing gratitude to those who contributed to its success. Observers suggest the deal could serve as a foundation for broader diplomatic discussions aimed at achieving long-term peace and stability in the region.
ceasefire and the potential release of hostages could signal a new chapter in the Middle East, though challenges remain in addressing the underlying issues driving the conflict.