Israel and Hamas: Ceasefire and Hostage Release Deal Agreed

0
226

Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, has urged Israel and Hamas to implement a Gaza ceasefire plan “without any delay promptly.” This follows reports that the two sides have reached an agreement to release hostages held since October 7, 2023.

Abdelatty’s statement comes at a critical moment in the efforts to resolve a devastating 15-month conflict. 

While U.S. President Joe Biden and other international mediators have announced the agreement.

Trump Announces Deal on Social Media

President-elect Donald Trump and officials from his incoming administration also played a significant role in the negotiations. Trump took to social media, declaring, “We have a deal for the hostages.” The announcement came just days before his second inauguration, emphasizing his administration’s involvement.

In an interview with The Associated Press, Abdelatty credited American, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators for their “deep involvement” in facilitating the agreement.

He refrained from addressing Netanyahu’s claims that Hamas had reneged on certain pledges. “What’s very important is to start implementation,” Abdelatty emphasized.

Egypt’s Role as Mediator

Egypt has long been a key mediator between Israel and Hamas, leveraging its unique position as a neighbor to Gaza and a signatory of a peace agreement with Israel.