Jerusalem, Israel: Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement to cease hostilities in Gaza, with mediators confirming that the truce will take effect on January 19. The agreement also includes provisions for the release of hostages.

In response, the Ministry of External Affairs issued a statement: “We welcome the announcement of the agreement for the release of hostages and a ceasefire in Gaza. We hope this development will ensure a safe and sustained flow of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. India has consistently advocated for the release of all hostages, a ceasefire, and a return to dialogue and diplomacy.”

The accord outlines an initial six-week truce, during which Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip. The deal also includes an exchange of hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. Mediators described the agreement as a phased process aimed at reducing tensions and facilitating long-term peace.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, speaking at a press conference in Doha, confirmed that the ceasefire would begin on Sunday. He emphasized that negotiators are coordinating with both sides to implement the agreement effectively.

In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden commented, “This agreement will bring an end to the fighting in Gaza, deliver critical humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reunite families after hostages have endured more than 15 months of captivity.”

Despite the announcement, airstrikes in Gaza persisted as of Wednesday evening. Medical personnel reported at least 32 fatalities in strikes on Gaza City and northern regions.

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale cross-border attack that killed approximately 1,200 people in Israel and resulted in 250 hostages being taken. Israel's subsequent military response has caused over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health authorities.