Israel, Hamas reach ceasefire & hostage release agreement

New Delhi: Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement to halt fighting in the Gaza strip for more than a year.

This was announced by US President Joe Biden and Qatar’s prime minister on Wednesday.

The deal comes after a week of intense negotiations mediated by Qatar, the U.S. and Egypt.

Biden said that after many months of intensive diplomacy by the United States, along with Egypt and Qatar, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire and hostage deal.

“This deal will halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much needed-humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite the hostages with their families after more than 15 months in captivity,” he said.

Biden said from White House that there was no other way for this war to end than with a hostage deal.

He said Americans will be among the hostages released in phase one of the deal, “and the vice president and I cannot wait to welcome them home.”

The deal is expected to take effect Sunday.