President Biden confirmed that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a six-week cease-fire that includes the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This arrangement, which is the first phase of a broader deal, aims to halt the ongoing violence that has plagued Gaza since the attacks on October 7, 2023. Biden emphasized the importance of this agreement, stating, "It's a very good afternoon" and acknowledged the collaborative effort among political leaders to achieve this outcome.
The cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel includes significant terms: the release of 33 hostages taken from Israel, which will predominantly consist of women, children, and elderly individuals who were captured over a year ago. Additionally, Israeli forces will cease operations in populated areas of Gaza, marking a vital step in de-escalating tensions. The agreement also promises a scheduled release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, showcasing the potential for moving towards peace.
Biden noted that while current hostages will be released in phases, the follow-up phase of the deal includes negotiations for the remaining hostages, specifically male soldiers, as well as the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. He referred to the collaboration with Trump’s administration, stating, 'For the past few days we have been speaking as one team' — signifying a bipartisan effort that underscores the gravity of this humanitarian crisis.
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