IRIA News

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A landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced on January 16, 2025, bringing hope to millions after 15 months of relentless conflict that has devastated Gaza, displaced countless Palestinians, and led to tens of thousands of deaths.

The fragile deal faces numerous challenges as violence persists, and the details of its implementation are yet to be finalized. The agreement, brokered through intense negotiations involving the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, outlines a phased approach to end hostilities:

• A six-week initial phase includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from central Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.
• 600 trucks of humanitarian assistance, including food, and medicine, and 50 trucks carrying fuel, will be delivered daily. Half of the aid will be allocated to northern Gaza, which has been hardest hit by the conflict.
• Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including all women, children, and men over 50.
• Israel will free between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian detainees, including women and minors detained since October 2023, depending on the number of hostages released.
• Hostages will be freed gradually, with the first being women and children, followed by men and remains of deceased hostages.

HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani @MBA_AlThani_ during the Press Conference on the Latest Developments Regarding the Joint Mediation Efforts to End the Ongoing War in the Gaza Strip: The State of Qatar… pic.twitter.com/d90b2HOtyA

— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) January 16, 2025

The agreement is backed by guarantees from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, ensuring its implementation. Discussions on a second phase of negotiations are set to begin by the 16th day of the ceasefire.

This phase will aim for a permanent ceasefire, the release of all remaining hostages, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. A third phase will focus on Gaza’s reconstruction, supervised by Qatar, Egypt, and the United Nations.

Violence Continues

Despite the announcement, violent attacks by Israel continued to ravage Gaza. In the hours following the agreement, Israeli airstrikes killed at least 82 Palestinians, including 30 in Gaza City, according to medical sources. One strike on a house near the Engineers Union Building claimed the lives of 18 people. In central Gaza, five others were killed in a drone strike on a gathering in Bureij camp.

The Palestinian Civil Defense reported recovering 12 bodies from the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City. Many displaced Palestinians remain in temporary shelters, and thousands are believed to be buried under rubble as rescue efforts continue.

Political Hurdles

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled a “last-minute crisis” in securing Israeli parliamentary approval for the agreement, citing disagreements with Hamas over prisoner lists and logistical issues. These objections delayed the formal start of the ceasefire, which had been expected to take effect on Sunday. Netanyahu’s coalition government, known for its internal divisions, faces growing pressure to deliver a decisive resolution to the conflict.

The Knesset (Israeli parliament) is expected to debate and approve the deal in the coming days. Analysts believe Netanyahu’s hesitancy may also stem from efforts to placate hardline elements within his coalition, who oppose the release of Palestinian prisoners.

The Mediators and Negotiators

The agreement emerged from weeks of high-stakes diplomacy in Doha, Qatar, where key negotiators from all sides worked tirelessly.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, played a pivotal role as the chief mediator. Acting as the primary channel of communication between Hamas and Israel, who refuse to directly engage, Al Thani utilized Qatar’s longstanding ties with Hamas and its position as a neutral facilitator to bridge the divide. The final phases of the negotiations occurred in Doha, Qatar’s capital, under his direct oversight. His efforts ensured that both parties remained engaged despite setbacks, emphasizing the importance of humanitarian provisions and long-term stability.

David Barnea and Ronen Bar: David Barnea, the head of Mossad, and Ronen Bar, the chief of Shin Bet, led the Israeli delegation during negotiations. These intelligence chiefs coordinated directly with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. officials to ensure Israel’s security interests were prioritized. Barnea, known for his strategic acumen, worked on extracting critical concessions from Hamas, while Ronen Bar handled sensitive issues surrounding Palestinian prisoners. Despite the ongoing challenges in the region, both leaders were instrumental in crafting a framework for the agreement that could be accepted by Israel’s political and military leadership.

Khalil al-Hayya: Following the death of Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the October 2023 Hamas attacks, Khalil al-Hayya became Hamas’ chief negotiator. Al-Hayya, a senior leader of Hamas with decades of experience, was seen as a more pragmatic figure compared to his predecessor. Based in Qatar, he managed Hamas’ strategy during the negotiations, emphasizing the release of Palestinian prisoners and the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Al-Hayya’s role was particularly challenging as he navigated pressure from within Hamas while maintaining dialogue through Qatari and Egyptian mediators. His survival of an Israeli airstrike in 2007, which killed members of his family, has shaped his approach to resistance and diplomacy.

Hassan Rashad: As the director of Egypt’s General Intelligence Agency, Hassan Rashad served as a key liaison between Hamas and other mediators. Rashad’s role was crucial in leveraging Cairo’s historical relationship with Palestinian groups and its geographical proximity to Gaza. His experience in managing delicate regional dynamics allowed him to mediate contentious points, particularly concerning prisoner exchanges and humanitarian access. Rashad’s appointment in October 2024 marked a new chapter in Egypt’s diplomatic engagement, as he replaced former intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, who had been involved in earlier ceasefire talks.

Brett McGurk: President Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, was a driving force behind the U.S. diplomatic push for the ceasefire. With over two decades of experience in Middle East policy, McGurk was responsible for drafting the agreement’s framework and aligning U.S. regional allies behind the deal. Known for his ability to navigate complex negotiations, he frequently traveled to the region to engage with senior officials from Israel, Hamas, and Qatar. McGurk’s expertise ensured that American strategic interests, including the release of Israeli hostages and the containment of militant groups, were incorporated into the final agreement.

Domestic and International Reactions

The ceasefire has triggered mixed reactions globally and domestically. U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have both claimed credit for the agreement. Biden emphasized the role of “dogged and painstaking American diplomacy,” while Trump credited his incoming administration for creating the conditions necessary for the deal.

After the ceasefire deal was reached, U.S. President Joe Biden posted on his X account, “At long last, I can announce that a ceasefire and a hostage deal has been reached between Israel and Hamas,” adding that “I’m deeply satisfied this day has finally come, for the sake of the people of Israel and the sake of the families of hostages waiting in agony. And for the sake of innocent people in Gaza who have suffered unimaginable devastation.

Biden said in a statement, “I have worked in foreign policy for decades – this has been one of the toughest negotiations I have ever experienced. And we have reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas backed by the United States.”

Netanyahu, while cautiously welcoming the deal, faces domestic backlash over the perceived concessions to Hamas. Among Palestinians, there is cautious optimism tempered by the grim realities on the ground. Displaced families, many of whom have lost loved ones, continue to grapple with the uncertainty of returning to devastated neighborhoods.

A Fragile Hope

While the ceasefire offers a respite from the violence, Gaza faces monumental challenges. Vast areas remain uninhabitable, and rebuilding could take decades. Thousands of Palestinians remain missing or buried under rubble, and vital infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and homes, has been decimated.

The first phase of the agreement is only a beginning. Success will depend on the willingness of all parties to honor their commitments and the sustained involvement of international mediators. As negotiations for the second phase approach, the world watches with cautious hope that this agreement marks a step toward lasting peace in the region.