Netanyahu Confirms Gaza Ceasefire Deal Amid Last-Minute Disputes.
On January 16, 2025, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that a ceasefire deal had been reached with Hamas, marking a significant step towards ending the 15-month conflict in Gaza. The agreement, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., includes a six-week truce, the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas, and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from populated areas in Gaza.
Despite the breakthrough, Netanyahu accused Hamas of attempting to renegotiate parts of the agreement at the last minute. This dispute has raised concerns about the timely implementation of the ceasefire, which is scheduled to go into effect soon. Netanyahu’s office stated that the Israeli government would convene to approve the agreed-upon terms.
The ceasefire deal has been welcomed by war-weary Palestinians in Gaza and international leaders alike. The agreement proposes a phased approach, with the initial phase involving the release of 33 hostages over the next six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. This phase also includes provisions for Israeli forces to pull back from certain areas of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.
Humanitarian aid is expected to increase in the region as part of the ceasefire agreement. The deal aims to address the dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 46,000 people have been killed, and around 90% of the population has been displaced. The ongoing conflict has left many struggling with hunger and disease in squalid tent camps.
Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners have expressed opposition to the ceasefire, with some threatening to resign if the agreement is approved. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir described the ceasefire as “reckless” and warned that it would “destroy all of Israel’s achievements.” Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also opposed the deal, demanding assurances that Israel would resume its military campaign after the first phase of the ceasefire.
The ceasefire agreement has drawn international attention and support, with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urging both sides to honor the ceasefire without delay. The United States has also applied pressure, criticizing the high civilian toll in Gaza while backing Israel’s security concerns.
