After 15 months of relentless conflict in the Middle East, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire deal brokered with substantial international mediation and a pivotal push from President-elect Donald Trump’s administration.
The agreement, set to take effect on January 19—one day before Trump’s inauguration—includes a six-week truce, the release of hostages on both sides, and critical humanitarian aid provisions for Gaza.
IDF Reserve Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi highlighted how the Trump administration’s firm stance played a decisive role in securing the deal after Hamas rejected similar terms in May 2024.
Avivi noted that the lack of pressure on Hamas previously allowed them to resist negotiations. However, Trump’s recent warning that “all hell will break out” if hostages were not released by his inauguration left Hamas reconsidering their options.
Hostage Exchange and Humanitarian Aid
Under the agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Additionally, the truce facilitates increased humanitarian aid, including food, fuel, and medical supplies, to Gaza, which has been devastated by the ongoing conflict.
The first phase will also allow the rehabilitation of critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and bakeries, and grant safe passage for the wounded to seek treatment.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who announced the details during a press conference in Doha, credited intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States for reaching this milestone.
Al Thani acknowledged contributions from both the Biden administration and Trump’s designated Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.
Trump’s Influence: A Game-Changer
President-elect Trump celebrated the deal as evidence of his administration’s resolve and influence on the global stage.
Posting on social media, Trump declared, “This epic ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our historic victory in November.” He emphasized that the agreement underscores his administration’s commitment to peace and the safety of both Americans and allies.
Avivi attributed the shift in Hamas’s stance to the Trump administration’s unyielding approach, contrasting it with previous U.S. policies that limited Israel’s leverage. He explained that Trump’s threats, combined with Hamas’s fear of losing a favorable deal, forced the militant group to reassess its position.
A Hard-Won Agreement
The Biden administration, alongside the incoming Trump team, worked in tandem during the final stages of negotiations, highlighting a rare moment of bipartisan cooperation.
President Biden referred to the talks as one of the toughest negotiations he had experienced and praised the role of international mediators.
Despite these breakthroughs, challenges remain. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to secure approval for the deal from his cabinet, which faces opposition from hardliners such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. Ben Gvir has threatened to resign from Netanyahu’s coalition over the agreement, reflecting internal divisions in Israeli politics.
A Bitter Conflict and Fragile Peace
The deal follows a year of intense violence that began with Hamas’s surprise attack on Israel in October 2023, which claimed over 1,200 lives.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a full-scale counteroffensive, resulting in heavy casualties and widespread destruction in Gaza. While the cease-fire promises a temporary reprieve,
vivi cautioned that Hamas might attempt to exploit the situation, leaving the durability of the truce uncertain.
The agreement marks a significant diplomatic victory for Trump as he prepares to take office. With hostages set to return home and humanitarian aid on the horizon, the cease-fire offers a glimmer of hope amid one of the most brutal chapters in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.