Outgoing US President Joe Biden has announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant breakthrough in efforts to end the prolonged Gaza war. The deal includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the release of hostages held by Hamas, and an exchange of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.

"Today, after months of intense diplomacy by the United States, alongside Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal," Biden said during his Oval Office address on Wednesday night. "This agreement will halt the fighting in Gaza, bring vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity."

Key Terms of the Agreement

The six-week initial ceasefire, set to begin on January 19, outlines several provisions:

1. Troop Withdrawal: Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from Gaza over the six-week period.
2. Hostage Exchange: Hamas will release hostages in phases, while Israel will free Palestinian prisoners.
3. Humanitarian Access: Injured Palestinians will be allowed to leave Gaza for medical treatment, and the Rafah crossing with Egypt will reopen within seven days of the deal’s implementation.

The agreement is divided into three phases:

• Phase One: A temporary truce, the release of women and children hostages, and initial troop withdrawals.
• Phase Two: The release of remaining captives, primarily male soldiers, and additional prisoner exchanges.
• Phase Three: The return of captives' remains by Hamas, alongside an international plan for Gaza’s reconstruction over three to five years.

US Role and Diplomatic Efforts

President Biden credited his administration for developing the deal, while acknowledging that its implementation would largely fall to the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump. "This plan was developed and negotiated by my administration, but it will be carried forward by the next," Biden noted, emphasizing bipartisan cooperation in the final days of his term.

The truce is the result of months of negotiations led by Egypt and Qatar, with support from the United States. Hamas described the deal as "an achievement for our people" and "a turning point," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to both Biden and Trump for their roles in the breakthrough.

Reactions and Implications

The ceasefire comes after a devastating 15-month conflict that began in October 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing approximately 12,000 people and taking 250 hostages. In response, Israel conducted a military campaign in Gaza that claimed over 46,000 lives, according to Gaza’s health ministry.

The conflict also threatened to escalate into a regional war, with Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah and the Houthis, launching attacks on Israeli targets. Israel retaliated by eliminating several high-ranking commanders from these groups.

Incoming President Donald Trump had urged swift action to secure the truce and warned of consequences if the hostages were not returned. His Middle East Ambassador, Steve Witkoff, worked closely with the Biden administration to finalize the agreement.

Path Forward

As the ceasefire takes effect, negotiations for the second and third phases will continue, with Biden confirming that the truce will hold even if discussions extend beyond the initial six-week timeline. "This is a step toward a permanent end to the war," Biden stated, expressing hope for lasting peace in the region.

The agreement also includes plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, to be carried out under international supervision, paving the way for long-term stability and recovery in the war-torn enclave.