Reports: Israel-Hamas Agree To Cease-Fire Deal, Hostages To Be Released On Phased-Basis

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Israel and Hamas have agreed to a cease-fire deal today (Wednesday 15th January, 2025) that will also serve to ensure the release of hostages.

The conflict began with Hamas’ brutal attacks on 7th October, 2023, and has left over 1,200 Israelis dead, more than 250 taken hostage, including seven (7) Americans, and thousands of others killed on both sides.

President-elect Donald Trump, who threatened last week that if a deal was not struck before his Inauguration Day (Monday 20th January, 2025), “all hell will break loose in the Middle East,” quickly offered his praise following news of the cease-fire deal, saying on Truth Social: “This EPIC ceasefire agreement could have only happened as a result of our Historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire World that my Administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans, and our Allies. I am thrilled American and Israeli hostages will be returning home to be reunited with their families and loved ones.”

The deal is said to have been brokered by Qatari negotiators and facilitated by Egyptian intermediaries, with significant involvement from the United States. Both the outgoing Biden administration and the incoming Trump administration applied strategic pressure to finalize the agreement, despite concerns about Hamas rearming and internal tensions within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition.

According to reports, a weekend meeting between Netanyahu and President-elect Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, led to the breakthrough. Witkoff’s assurances reportedly convinced Netanyahu to accept the deal, despite threats from a right-wing party to withdraw from the coalition if it passed.

Trump also praised his negotiators on Wednesday, saying on Truth Social: “With this deal in place, my National Security team, through the efforts of Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, will continue to work closely with Israel and our Allies to make sure Gaza NEVER again becomes a terrorist safe haven. We will continue promoting PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH throughout the region, as we build upon the momentum of this ceasefire to further expand the Historic Abraham Accords. This is only the beginning of great things to come for America, and indeed, the World!”

President-elect Trump added, “We have achieved so much without even being in the White House. Just imagine all of the wonderful things that will happen when I return to the White House, and my Administration is fully confirmed, so they can secure more Victories for the United States!” 

Reports state that the cease-fire agreement calls for the release of three (3) hostages on the first day, followed by weekly batches. Women, children, and men over the age of fifty (50) will be prioritized initially, with younger men in humanitarian cases included later. Updates on hostages’ statuses will alternate between announcements of survivors and confirmation of those who did not survive captivity.

Over forty-two (42) days, thirty-three (33) Israeli hostages are expected to be released. Early stages will focus on civilian women, children and female soldiers, followed by elderly men. The final hostage in this group is scheduled for release on the 42nd day.

On the 16th day, the second phase will begin, addressing the release of younger men, soldiers, and the return of remains. Netanyahu assured hostage families that every captive is accounted for in the deal.

Approximately 1,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed in exchange, with murder convicts barred from returning to the West Bank. Instead, they will be sent to Gaza, Qatar, or Turkey. 

The cease-fire will also facilitate significant humanitarian aid to Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of supplies entering daily. By the 22nd day, displaced residents will be allowed to return to Northern Gaza. Qatari and Egyptian teams will manage vehicle inspections, while pedestrian crossings will not require checks. The IDF will withdraw from the Nitzarim corridor but maintain a limited presence along the Philadelphi Route.


Although intelligence on the hostages’ conditions remains limited, assessments suggest that most are alive. Before each release stage, Israel will receive updated information on their identities and health statuses. The International Red Cross will oversee their transfer from Gaza to Israel, ensuring their safety while addressing logistical challenges such as crowd control.

Upon entering Israel, hostages will undergo identity verification and initial questioning by Shin Bet and the IDF. Medical teams stationed at the border will provide immediate care, and those requiring further treatment will be airlifted to Hospitals. After receiving necessary care, hostages will then be reunited with their families.

Israel’s security forces are said to be preparing for various contingencies to ensure the operation’s success while maintaining stability.

More on this as it becomes available.

This is a developing story - refresh this page for updates.

​[Source: Fox News]

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