Wednesday brings potentially good news to the war-ravaged Middle East just days before Donald Trump’s presidential inauguration as officials revealed that Israel and Hamas have agreed on a ceasefire deal. The plan will include the release of at least some of the terror group’s hostages.
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The proposed deal, which would still need approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet, was hammered out after months of back in forth during tense negotiations. The two parties have been at war for 15 months after Hamas’ savage surprise attack on the Jewish state on Oct. 7, 2023, a depraved slaughter that killed over 1,200.
Although details are scarce as the news continues to break, here’s what we know so far:
What to know:
- When does the deal take effect? The plan still needs approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Security Cabinet and then his full Cabinet. Both are dominated by Netanyahu allies and are likely to approve any proposal he presents.
- What happens to the hostages? Nearly 100 people are still captive inside Gaza, and Israel’s military believes at least a third are dead. The three-phased agreement would begin with the release of 33 women, children, older adults and wounded civilians in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children imprisoned by Israel. Soldiers and other male captives would be released in the second phase.
- What does the deal mean for the war? The agreement would bring relief to the hard-hit Gaza Strip, where Israel’s offensive has reduced large areas to rubble and displaced around 90% of the population of 2.3 million, many at risk of famine.
Minutes ago, President-elect Donald Trump celebrated the news on social media:
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WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!
Donald Trump Truth Social 12:01 PM EST 01/15/25
— Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) January 15, 2025
In case his post doesn’t display, he wrote:
WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!
Trump has been demanding that Hamas release the hostages or pay the price.
Trump Tells Hamas What They Must Do ASAP or ‘All Hell Will Break Out’
REPORT: Hamas Agrees to Concessions After Trump Threatens Them With ‘Hell to Pay’
Imagine that.
Just days after Trump told Israel and Hamas to have the hostages released before inauguration “or all hell is gonna break loose”, they agree to terms to a ceasefire and hostage deal.
Trump is already stopping wars, and he hasn’t even sworn in yet. pic.twitter.com/ebWmkSfVPR
— Clandestine (@WarClandestine) January 14, 2025
This is a breaking story, and RedState will update you with new details as they emerge.
