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Hamas’ exiled Gaza chief Khalil al-Haya confirmed on Thursday (9 October) that the group has received guarantees from the United States that the war in Gaza has permanently ended.
“We have reached a ceasefire agreement to move towards a permanent ceasefire,” al-Haya said, underscoring the historic nature of the agreement.
Part of US President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza, the ceasefire agreement includes:
- Immediate cessation of hostilities.
- Partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
- Release of all 48 remaining hostages held by Hamas.
- October 7, 2023 Exchange of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel since the war began, including 250 serving long sentences and 1,700 arrested.
Trump described the agreement as a step toward “lasting peace.” Hamas plans to release the 20 surviving hostages within 72 hours of the ceasefire taking effect.
Barriers remain to implementation
Although the deal represents progress, significant challenges remain:
- Hamas’s list of prisoners to be released has not yet been finalized.
- Questions remain over how Gaza will be governed after the war.
- Hamas has not agreed to Israel’s main demand, disarmament.
Rafah border crossing and aid access
Al-Haya highlighted the humanitarian provisions under the deal.
“The agreement opens the key Rafah border crossing with Egypt, allowing aid to flow into Gaza,” he said. The move is expected to provide relief to civilians who are taking shelter in makeshift tents following the widespread destruction.
Background: Attempt to attack Hamas leaders
Al-Haya had survived an Israeli missile attack in Qatar less than a month earlier, in which he and other Hamas leaders were targeted. Other Hamas members and a Qatari security guard were killed in the attack, angering Arab states and frustrating US officials. Trump promised to prevent such operations in the future.
Implementation and impact
Under the agreement, Israel will also release all jailed Palestinians. If the agreement is fully implemented, it could bring an end to one of the deadliest conflicts in the Middle East in recent years, which has killed thousands and displaced countless civilians.
Al-Haya stressed that the ceasefire marked a turning point for the region.
“With the guarantees of the United States and international mediators, this is a permanent end to the war in Gaza,” he said.
Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement announced
Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas signed a historic deal on Thursday to end shooting and release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. It marks the first phase of US President Donald Trump’s initiative to end the two-year war in Gaza that has ravaged the region and thrown the Middle East into chaos.
Both Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the announcement, marking the biggest step yet toward ending a conflict that has left more than 67,000 Palestinians dead and hostages held by Hamas.
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