Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his gratitude to both US President-elect Donald Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden for their critical roles in securing a ceasefire-hostage release agreement. The deal marks a significant turning point in the prolonged conflict between Israel and Hamas.

 

In separate conversations, Netanyahu thanked Trump for his pivotal efforts in facilitating the agreement. “Thank you for your help in advancing the release of the hostages and helping Israel to bring an end to the suffering of dozens of hostages and their families,” Netanyahu expressed, according to a statement from the Prime Minister’s Office. Trump later confirmed the deal via his Truth Social account, declaring, “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!”

 

Netanyahu also acknowledged Biden’s contributions, emphasizing the importance of his earlier commitment that Gaza will “NEVER again become a terrorist safe haven.” The two leaders reportedly agreed to meet soon in Washington, highlighting the continued collaboration between the US and Israel on regional stability.

 

The announcement also marked Netanyahu’s confirmation that Israel has accepted the US and Qatari-brokered agreement. The ceasefire, set to take effect on January 19, includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages held by Hamas over a 42-day period. Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed the deal from Doha, praising the international cooperation that made the agreement possible.

 

Details of the deal outline a six-week ceasefire phase, during which Hamas will gradually release hostages in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Among the hostages to be freed are women, children, elderly individuals, and infirm men. Hamas has disclosed that not all 33 hostages are alive, but under the agreement, it must provide Israel with updates on their status within the first week.

 

Trump emphasized the broader implications of the agreement, claiming that his election victory was a catalyst for the progress. “The EPIC ceasefire agreement could only have happened after I won the US presidential elections in November,” he stated, while pledging that his administration will work to ensure Gaza will no longer serve as a “terrorist safe haven.”

 

This milestone comes after 15 months of conflict that began with a devastating Hamas attack on southern Israel. The agreement reflects a collective effort by international stakeholders, including Egypt and Qatar, to address the humanitarian crisis and create a foundation for a more stable future in the region.

 

Based on a report by TOI | MSM 2024-01-16

 

 

From what I saw about the agreement it's in 3 stages and can easily be halted with a resumption of hostilities.

 

Given that if it gets to the stage of a permanent ceasefire ( stage one is temporary ) netanyahu knows that he has no reason to avoid an election, and he won't be keen on that, as when he is defeated the court cases can proceed.

18 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

From what I saw about the agreement it's in 3 stages and can easily be halted with a resumption of hostilities.

 

Given that if it gets to the stage of a permanent ceasefire ( stage one is temporary ) netanyahu knows that he has no reason to avoid an election, and he won't be keen on that, as when he is defeated the court cases can proceed.

Are you pleased some hostages are going to be released on Sunday and the fighting will stop at least temporarily? Or is your hate for Netanyahu driving your every thought?

Ok, so Hamas come out to celebrate the ceasefire, proving they've been hiding among their own civilians

 

https://x.com/CliffordDMay/status/1879705407381442601

 

9 hours ago, Social Media said:

Hamas has disclosed that not all 33 hostages are alive, but under the agreement, it must provide Israel with updates on their status within the first week.

or any of them ? Good news for  (most of) the world. Still horrific for the families of the hostages.

UPDATE: Watch

 

Hamas backs out of Hostage deal

If you haven’t already, you must watch this powerful update by the incredible @SharriMarkson . She provides invaluable insight into the ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, shedding light on the deeply emotional and complex reality of the situation.

Sharri’s reporting… pic.twitter.com/xwcPVWbiMH

— Noam Katna 🎗️🇮🇱🎗️ (@Noamkt_) January 16, 2025

 

 

 

 

14 hours ago, Social Media said:

which Hamas will gradually release hostages in exchange for over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

So 33, probably half who are already dead for over 1,000.

 

This has Trump all over it, the Art of the Deal.

 

 

7 minutes ago, MalcolmB said:

So 33, probably half who are already dead for over 1,000.

 

This has Trump all over it, the Art of the Deal.

 

 

Where do you get that probably half are dead? Was it Trump that arranged this part of the deal?

Hamas agreed to a detailed agreement. Now it wishes to change conditions.

This is typical of arab culture and mentality. The PLO did this when it had agreed to a peace deal in its hands 25 years ago, and then backed out at the last minute.

It is difficult to enter into any peace agreement with the  Palestinian arabs if they act in bad faith.

The deal is by no means guaranteed to happen. If it's just going to be back to the slaughter after a few hostages released no one can blame Hamas if they decline to abide by the ceasefire.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hardline-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-threatens-quit-over-gaza-deal-2025-01-16/

Smotrich's Religious Zionism party repeated its opposition on Thursday, threatening to quit the government if it did not go back to war to defeat Hamas after the first six-week phase of the ceasefire was completed.

3 minutes ago, thaibeachlovers said:

The deal is by no means guaranteed to happen. If it's just going to be back to the slaughter after a few hostages released no one can blame Hamas if they decline to abide by the ceasefire.

 

https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/hardline-israeli-minister-ben-gvir-threatens-quit-over-gaza-deal-2025-01-16/

Smotrich's Religious Zionism party repeated its opposition on Thursday, threatening to quit the government if it did not go back to war to defeat Hamas after the first six-week phase of the ceasefire was completed.

From Hamas's leader in the ceasefire talks:

 

Al-Hayya, who serves as the deputy chairman of Hamas’s political bureau and the group’s chief negotiator in ceasefire and hostage talks, reiterated Hamas’s commitment to the destruction of Israel. He described Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque as central to their mission, stating, “Our people will expel the occupation from our land and from Jerusalem at the earliest time possible.” He also asserted, “Our enemy will never see a moment of weakness from us.”

 

And you wonder why they need to be wiped out?

On 1/15/2025 at 4:21 PM, Social Media said:

includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages

 

Special shout out to the Brotherhood. I like that.

 

Mr Trumpf has always been a friend to Israel.