After 15 months of relentless conflict in Gaza, a temporary ceasefire has been brokered between Israel and Hamas. The breakthrough deal, mediated by the US, Qatar, and Egypt, aims to bring relief to hostages, prisoners, and displaced civilians. The agreement includes provisions for releasing dozens of hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, as well as allowing humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza.

The final days of talks were marked by marathon sessions in Doha, where Israeli and Hamas negotiators exchanged proposals through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. US President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, and President-elect Donald Trump’s representative, Steve Witkoff, worked closely behind the scenes to iron out the details. Their collaboration was described as “remarkable” by US officials.

The ceasefire, set to take effect on January 19, is a delicate but vital step towards peace. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged that the deal is not yet complete, and its fragility has raised concerns. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has urged both sides to act in good faith to prevent the agreement’s collapse.