MUMBAI, 15 Jan (Commoditiescontrol):Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire, ending a 15-month war in Gaza that has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives and inflicted widespread devastation, according to officials familiar with the negotiations.
The agreement, mediated by Egypt and Qatar with support from the U.S., includes a six-week truce, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a prisoner exchange involving hostages held by Hamas and Palestinian detainees in Israel. Final approval from Israeli and Hamas leadership is pending, with formal announcements expected soon.
This development follows protracted negotiations and comes just days ahead of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump's inauguration, under pressure to secure the release of hostages. The ceasefire may also address mounting domestic criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government over the October 7 security breach, marked as the deadliest day in Israel’s history.
The conflict has escalated regional tensions, with Iran-backed groups launching attacks across the Middle East. The ceasefire represents a pivotal moment after Israel's targeted assassinations of senior Hamas and Hezbollah leaders shifted the strategic dynamics in its favor.
(By Commoditiescontrol Bureau; +91 98201 30172)