Israel and Hamas Sign Ceasefire Agreement

A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas after 15 months of conflict, facilitated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar. This complex deal includes a six-week ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, set to begin on January 19. While U.S. President Joe Biden has hailed this as a significant breakthrough, experts caution that the agreement is fragile and may not bring immediate relief, with reconstruction efforts expected to take time. The deal will unfold over 18 weeks, during which the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners will occur incrementally. Despite the hopeful developments, tensions remain high, and the long-term political resolution for Gaza's governance is still uncertain. Critics argue that alternative strategies could have expedited the return of hostages and improved the situation from the outset of the conflict.