Agreement in Qatar; Trump: Hostages Will Be Released Soon

Donald Trump, the elected President of the United States, announced on Wednesday, January 26, an agreement for the release of hostages held by Hamas. He wrote on his social media platform, Truth Social: "We have a deal for hostages in the Middle East. They will be released soon." Mr. Trump considered the establishment of this significant ceasefire a result of his historic victory in last November's elections, adding: "This shows the whole world that my administration is seeking peace and negotiation to ensure the security of all Americans and our allies." The elected President of the United States also expressed his excitement about the return of American and Israeli hostages to their homes, families, and loved ones, stating: "With this agreement, my national security team, through the efforts of Steve Witkoff, special envoy to the Middle East, will continue to work closely with Israel and its allies to ensure that Gaza never again becomes a safe haven for terrorists." Donald Trump emphasized: "We will continue to promote peace throughout the region, referring to the expansion of the 'Abraham Accords.'" He wrote that this ceasefire will mark the beginning of significant events for America and indeed, the world. The elected President of the United States noted: "We have achieved many successes even without being in the White House," adding: "Just imagine when I return to the White House, and my administration is fully confirmed, amazing things will happen to ensure more victories for the United States." Meanwhile, Reuters reported that negotiators reached an agreement for a ceasefire in the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, stating that this agreement, which has not yet been officially announced, includes an initial six-week ceasefire and involves the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel. This agreement was reached after months of scattered negotiations mediated by Egypt and Qatar and with the support of the United States, shortly before Donald Trump's inauguration on February 1. Trump had repeatedly called for a swift agreement as his inauguration approached, warning that the failure to release hostages would have a "heavy price." Steve Witkoff, Trump's envoy to the Middle East, had collaborated with Joe Biden's team to finalize this agreement. According to Channel 12 of Israeli television, Witkoff thanked the elected President, as well as Joe Biden and Qatar for reaching the agreement. Hamas, the group supported by the Islamic Republic, told Reuters that its delegation had expressed its agreement to the ceasefire and the delivery of hostages to the mediators. A Palestinian official, who wished to remain anonymous, told Reuters that Hamas had previously expressed its verbal agreement to this proposal and was awaiting further information for final written confirmation. Meanwhile, Gideon Sa'ar, Israel's Foreign Minister, announced that he had cut short his trip to Europe and was returning to Israel overnight to participate in cabinet security and government voting sessions regarding this agreement, which is likely to take place by Thursday, January 27. During the terrorist attack on October 7 of last year by Hamas, a group supported by the Islamic Republic of Iran, 1,200 people, mostly civilians, were killed, and over 250 others, including the elderly, women, and children, were taken hostage to Gaza. Following this terrorist attack, Israel launched an assault on Gaza to destroy Hamas and free all kidnapped hostages. According to Israeli estimates, 94 hostages are still held captive by Hamas, and at least 34 of them have lost their lives. The United States, the European Union, Israel, and several other countries and international organizations classify Hamas as a terrorist group. Reuters reported that Israel's military operations in Gaza have left over 46,000 dead and turned the coastal area into a ruin, while hundreds of thousands are living in tents and temporary shelters in the winter cold. These figures were previously released by health sources in Gaza, which is controlled by Hamas. The number of military and civilian casualties has not been specified in these statistics. Meanwhile, Israel has repeatedly emphasized that Hamas uses civilians as human shields. Reuters noted that in Israel, the return of hostages may reduce public anger against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his right-wing government for the security failure on October 7, which was the deadliest day in the country's history. This conflict has spread throughout the Middle East, with Iran-affiliated groups in Lebanon, Iraq, and Yemen attacking Israel in support of the Palestinians. In response, Israel targeted senior leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah in assassinations that led to Israel's military superiority. The news is being updated. Alireza Noorizadeh: Trump's warning to Hamas is reminiscent of Reagan's warning to the Islamic Republic regarding American diplomats. Discussions between American and Egyptian leaders about the Gaza ceasefire agreement and the release of hostages. Associated Press: Hamas accepted the draft ceasefire agreement. Israel will not give the body of Sinwar in exchange for its hostages to Hamas. Negotiations for the ceasefire agreement are in the 'final stage.'