Ceasefire Deal Between Israel and Hamas Announced, Celebrations in Gaza and Tel Aviv

Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed during a late-night press conference on Wednesday that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas. The deal includes the release of hostages and a halt to ongoing hostilities. The agreement is set to begin on Sunday, January 19, though specific timings are yet to be finalized. Sheikh Mohammed expressed hope that this agreement would pave the way for a permanent end to the conflict.

Global Reactions

Israel Welcomes the Agreement
Israeli President Isaac Herzog welcomed the ceasefire during a televised interview, calling it “the right and necessary path.” He emphasized that the return of Israeli hostages is a moral and humanitarian priority for the nation.

Celebrations in Gaza and Tel Aviv
The announcement sparked celebrations in the war-torn streets of Gaza, with people in Khan Younis gathering to express their joy. Similarly, in Tel Aviv, families of hostages took to the streets with banners, embracing each other in relief and hope.

Pakistan Calls for Full Implementation
Pakistan’s Foreign Office issued a statement on Thursday, welcoming the ceasefire and urging its immediate and complete implementation. It reiterated support for a fair and lasting resolution of the Palestinian issue, advocating for an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.

US President Joe Biden’s Statement
President Joe Biden confirmed the agreement during a press conference alongside Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of State Antony Blinken. He highlighted that the deal would enable the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, bring hostages home, and offer relief to affected families after 15 months of captivity.

Donald Trump Commends Hostage Release
Former US President Donald Trump welcomed the agreement via his Truth Social platform, focusing on the release of hostages. He thanked the parties involved for facilitating the deal.

Saudi Arabia and Turkey Hail the Deal
Saudi Arabia praised the efforts of Qatar, Egypt, and the US in achieving the agreement. Turkey’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan described the ceasefire as essential for regional stability and reiterated support for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

United Nations Ready to Support
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed readiness to assist in implementing the agreement and providing increased humanitarian aid to Palestinians facing dire conditions.

European Union Welcomes Ceasefire
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the deal, emphasizing the importance of reuniting hostages with their families and delivering aid to Gaza. She urged both parties to work toward a sustainable diplomatic resolution to the conflict.

Egypt and the UK on the Agreement
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer also welcomed the ceasefire. Starmer called it “a long-overdue development” and stressed the need for a two-state solution to ensure lasting peace and stability in the region.