Qatar and US officially announce ceasefire agreement in Gaza Strip

The scene of devastation after an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, January 14, 2025. Photo: THX/TTXVN

Early morning of January 16, Vietnam time, Qatar and the US, the two mediators for the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, officially announced the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas forces.

The above information is considered a new breakthrough to help restore peace in the Gaza Strip after more than a year of conflict.

Speaking at a press conference in the capital Doha, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the implementation of the ceasefire agreement will begin on January 19.

Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, which will last for six weeks, in exchange for Israel releasing detained Palestinians. Details of the second and third phases of the deal will be announced after the first phase is completed.

Mr. Al Thani also reaffirmed the commitment of Qatar, Egypt and the United States to monitor the implementation of the agreement and stressed that these countries will take the necessary steps to maintain stability in the Gaza Strip.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden also officially announced the ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement between Israel and Hamas, affirming that within the next 6 weeks, Israel will continue to negotiate on necessary issues to move towards phase 2 of the agreement with the goal of ending the conflict in a long-term manner.

The US leader also said he had worked closely with President-elect Donald Trump's team to reach consensus that most of the agreement would be implemented under the new Trump administration.

Immediately after the news of the deal was announced, Israeli President Issac Herzog made a televised speech and emphasized that this was the right step to bring the hostages held by Hamas back home.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also had phone calls with US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump to thank Washington for its efforts in reaching the agreement.

The United Nations, the European Union (EU) and many countries around the world have welcomed the ceasefire agreement in Gaza and considered it an important step forward in maintaining stability in the Middle East.

Source: https://baodaknong.vn/qatar-va-my-chinh-thuc-cong-bo-thoa-thuan-ngung-ban-tai-dai-gaza-240455.html