On January 17, 2025, Qatar and the United States announced a significant agreement regarding the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, contingent upon approval from the Israeli government. The agreement involves the release of 33 hostages in exchange for the release of approximately 1,000 Palestinians held in Israeli detention centers.
The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, was briefed by negotiators about the agreements reached for the hostages' release. A meeting of the Israeli security cabinet is set to convene to discuss and vote on the agreement.
Netanyahu's office stated that families of the hostages have been informed, and preparations for their reception are underway. Despite opposition from far-right ministers within his coalition, Netanyahu is expected to secure a majority for the agreement.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the agreement will be implemented, with expectations for its commencement on Sunday, January 21, 2025. Egypt, acting as a mediator, has called for the agreement's immediate implementation.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, with over 1,210 deaths on the Israeli side and at least 46,788 fatalities reported in Gaza due to Israeli military operations. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is described as catastrophic, with widespread destruction and displacement affecting the 2.4 million residents.
The agreement marks a critical step in negotiations that have been ongoing for over a year, and it is expected to lead to further discussions on a permanent ceasefire and the political future of the Gaza Strip.