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Qatar Announces Cease-Fire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas; Three-Phase Implementation to Begin January 19

By
M Ashraf Siddiqui
15/01/2025
in

Doha, 15 January 2025

Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of State of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim AlThani, announced late this evening that both the Israel and Hamas have agreed on long lasting cease-fire in the Gaza-strip, Palestine. Addressing a press conference in Diwan e Amiri Doha, he said that both parties have agreed to implement the agreement effective Sunday, 19th of January 2025.
He told that implementation of complete agreement will take place in three phases. As per the first phase Hamas will release 33 Israeli detainees including injured in  42 days in exchange of 50 detained Palestinians against each Israeli soldier.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim AlThani extended profound gratitude to its partners in mediation, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States of America, whose collaboration has been instrumental in achieving this pivotal agreement.
He paid his special thanks toward the efforts of the U.S. President-elect's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Whitkoff, as well as Brett McGurk, MENA coordinator at the U.S. National Security Council. Their dedication and constructive contributions have played a critical role in advancing negotiations and culminating in this milestone agreement, he acknowledged.
He paid his special thanks to Maj. Gen. Hassan Mahmoud Rashad, Chief of Egyptian General Intelligence Service (GIS), whose resolute efforts, in partnership with Qatari mediators, have been vital to the successful realization of this deal. The mutual approval of both negotiating parties is an encouraging testament to the cooperative spirit underpinning this process, with the Israeli government set to take internal measures in preparation for the agreement's implementation, it is anticipated that this deal will come into effect on Sunday, January 19th. Precise timing is expected to follow shortly.
Elaborating further about agreement agreed by both Israel and Hamas, The Prime Minister said that the first phase of this agreement spans 42 days and encompasses several critical measures, including a ceasefire and the repositioning of Israeli forces to the east, away from populated areas in Gaza. This redeployment aims to facilitate key humanitarian initiatives, such as the return of displaced individuals to their homes and the exchange of prisoners, including the repatriation of remains. Additionally, provisions have been made to ensure medical access for the wounded and sick, enabling travel for urgent treatment.

To address the dire humanitarian needs of Gaza, Phase One prioritizes increased relief efforts, including the flow of essential supplies such as food, fuel, and civil defense equipment. Restoration of essential services—hospitals, health centers, and bakeries—forms a cornerstone of this phase, aimed at alleviating the immediate suffering of the population affected by war.

He said that in a significant gesture of goodwill, Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives, including women, children, elderly individuals, and those with health conditions, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. This reciprocal exchange is a vital step toward building trust and fostering dialogue.
About phases two and three, Prime Minister and Foreign Minister of Qatar said that details for subsequent phases are to be finalized during the execution of Phase One, underscoring the importance of commitment and constructive engagement from all parties involved.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim AlThani said that the State of Qatar reaffirms its dedication to ensuring the successful implementation of all phases of the agreement, thereby contributing to the prevention of civilian casualties and fostering long-term peace and stability in the region. Qatar's unwavering support, alongside its partners in Egypt and the United States, underscores its commitment to ensuring the fulfillment of these objectives. By maintaining active engagement, Qatar aims to solidify the agreement’s provisions and facilitate the region's recovery.
He said that under the visionary leadership of the Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has worked tirelessly to mediate and foster progress in resolving this conflict. These efforts have been ongoing since October 8th and reflect Qatar's resolve to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, ensure the flow of aid, and uphold peace. Previous successes, such as the release of 109 hostages in November, exemplify the nation’s enduring commitment to conflict resolution.
He said that Qatar emphasizes the necessity for all parties to uphold their commitments under this agreement. By adhering to the outlined measures and timelines, this accord holds the potential to end the cycle of violence, restore hope, and lay the foundation for a prosperous future in the region.

In his concluding remarks, Qatar Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said that Qatar remains steadfast in its promise to stand with the people of Gaza, provide relief, and work toward a sustainable peace. The State of Qatar, alongside its international partners, will continue its efforts to monitor and support the implementation of the agreement, ensuring that its objectives are fully realized. This moment is both a culmination of tireless efforts and a beginning of shared responsibility to bring lasting stability and hope to the region.

Qatar News Agency reported that the Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani has voiced hopes the Gaza ceasefire deal will facilitate an end to aggression, devastation and killing in the enclave and the occupied Palestinian territories.

He posted on X that Qatar hopes the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire agreement will contribute to bringing the aggression, destruction and killing in the Gaza Strip and the occupied Palestinian territories to an end, and to starting a new phase where the just Palestinian cause will not be marginalized and be settled through serious work, in accordance with international legitimacy resolutions.

The State of Qatar's diplomatic role to finalize the deal stems from its prioritization of the humanitarian duty over the political one, His Highness added, extending thanks to the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States for their appreciated efforts.

The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) hailed the recently reached Gaza ceasefire deal as the fruit of Palestinians' steadfastness and valiant resistance for more than 15 months.

A Hamas statement extended thanks to mediators, led by Qatar and Egypt, who made great efforts to hammer out the agreement on Wednesday.

Commending the deal as a great achievement for the Palestinian people and the free people of the world, the statement said it marks a turning point in the course of the conflict with the Israeli occupation, and constitutes an important step towards achieving the people's goals of liberation and return.

It added the deal comes in response to its responsibility towards the patient people in the Gaza Strip, with the aim of stopping the aggression of the Israeli occupation and putting an end to the bloodshed, massacres and war of extermination to which the people of the Strip are being subjected.

The Arab League welcomed the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip, praising the mediation efforts made by the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt and the United States.

In a statement, on Wednesday, Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said getting a large amount of aid into the Gaza Strip following the entry into force of the deal, is currently the foremost priority, along with the return of displaced people to their homes, as soon as possible, especially in the north of Gaza.

He added that the deal must entirely halt the Israeli war on Gaza, underscoring the importance of upholding the terms of this deal during all stages, culminating in the full Israel's drawdown from the Gaza Strip and up to the borders of Jun. 4, 1967.

He emphasized that the West Bank and Gaza Strip together constitute the territory of the future Palestinian statehood, adding that all attempts to separate them are rejected by the Palestinians, Arabs, and the international community.

The two-state solution remains the sole path that ensures non-repetition of the months-long tragedy endured by the Palestinian people and the region, Aboul Gheit underlined, stressing that the embodiment of the Palestinian State would ensure security for the Palestinian and Israeli peoples.

He stated that reconstruction work shall commence immediately following the early recovery, given the horrendous devastation inflicted upon the Gaza Strip during the months-long Israeli strikes that targeted all life manifestations.

The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia welcomed the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and praised the efforts made by the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States in this regard.

In a statement on Wednesday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized the importance of upholding this agreement, ending the Israeli aggression on Gaza, ensuring the complete withdrawal of Israeli occupation forces from the Gaza Strip and other Palestinian and Arab territories and the return of displaced people to their regions.

In addition, it stressed the importance of building on this deal to address the underlying causes of the conflict through enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their rights, foremost of which is the establishment of the Palestinian State on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The ministry hoped that this deal would entirely end the Israeli brutal war which claimed the lives of over 45,000 Palestinians and injured over 100,000

The United Arab Emirates welcomed, on Wednesday, the announcement of the ceasefire deal in the Gaza Strip and the release of detainees, hostages and prisoners.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, stated that the UAE welcomes the announcement of this deal, lauding the efforts made by the State of Qatar, Egypt and the United States to achieve it.

He hoped that the deal will pave the way for ending the tribulation and further loss of life, in addition to putting an end to the tragic situation in the Palestinian enclave, stressing the importance of the two parties' commitment to agreements and obligations to end the suffering of the Palestinian prisoners and Israeli hostages.

Al Nahyan reiterated the UAE's unwavering position on the importance of urgently delivering humanitarian assistance to those in need in a sustainable manner without restrictions to end the critical humanitarian situation the civilians have been facing for more than 15 months.

He stressed that is important for the international community to back all efforts aimed at reviving the peace process in the Middle East, and ending the unlawful practices that imperil the two-state solution and the establishment of the independent Palestinian State, underscoring the UAE's enduring commitment to reinforcing peace and justice and ensuring the rights of the Palestinian people.

Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye, Dr Mustafa Göksu has expressed his profound appreciation for the significant efforts undertaken by the State of Qatar to achieve the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which represents an important step towards alleviating the suffering of the Palestinian people.

The envoy commended the statement by the Amir of State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasising that Qatar’s diplomatic role in reaching this agreement is a humanitarian duty before being a political one.

Dr Göksu also praised the Amir of  Qatar call for unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their brethren in Gaza.

The ambassador expressed his appreciation for the remarks of Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani during the announcement of the ceasefire agreement. He praised Qatar’s relentless efforts over several months to end the conflict and provide relief to the Palestinian people.

Dr Göksu also extended his gratitude to the mediating countries -- Egypt and the US -- for their contributions to reaching the agreement alongside Qatar.

He said, “We salute with deep respect the people of Gaza and their courageous sons, who valiantly defended their land and freedom against illegal and inhumane Israeli attacks.”

The envoy affirmed Türkiye’s steadfast commitment to supporting the rights of the Palestinian people and its dedication to enhancing cooperation with Qatar in all endeavours aimed at achieving peace and stability in the region.

“Türkiye will continue to work hand in hand with brotherly and friendly nations to realise justice and lasting peace in Palestine.”

He reiterated the stance of the Republic of Türkiye and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, emphasising that “Türkiye has never and will never leave the Palestinians alone in their struggle for their rightful cause.”

Dr Göksu also reiterated the statement by Turkish Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, affirming Ankara’s continued support for Palestine on all levels.

He stressed the importance of implementing all stages of the agreement in the next phase, ensuring the permanence of the ceasefire, and delivering urgent humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Dr Göksu underlined the necessity for the international community to hold Israel accountable for fulfilling its obligations regarding these matters and expressed his hopes that the agreement would mark the beginning of relief and lasting peace for the Palestinian people.

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