Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani speaking to the press. (November 5, 2023) (Photo: Reuters)
VIDEO: Qatar announces Gaza ceasefire
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister announced that Qatar, Egypt, and the United States have reached an agreement regarding Gaza. He expressed appreciation for the efforts of Egypt and the US in advancing the negotiations.
"The two belligerents in the Gaza Strip have reached a deal on the prisoner and the hostage swap, and (the mediators) announce a ceasefire in the hopes of reaching a permanent ceasefire between the two sides," al-Thani said.
Work will continue tonight on finalizing the execution details of the agreement, which is set to take effect on Sunday, January 19.
Under the terms of the agreement, Hamas will release 33 captives in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The Prime Minister added that details of the second and third phases will be revealed after the completion of the first stage.
Demonstrators in Tel Aviv calling for the release of captives embraced as news of the agreement spread, while thousands across Gaza celebrated the deal to halt the hostilities that have devastated much of the Strip.
On Wednesday, Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed said the three countries would monitor the implementation of the ceasefire via a body based in Cairo.
