Hamas Declares End to War in Gaza Following Agreement

Hamas has announced the conclusion of hostilities in Gaza, confirming that a permanent ceasefire has been established following negotiations with the United States and international mediators. Halil Al-Haja, the chief negotiator for Hamas, stated that the next step involves Israel voting on the agreement to formalize the ceasefire.

Details of the Ceasefire Agreement

In a press statement, Al-Haja declared, “Today we announce that an agreement has been reached to end the war and aggression against our people and to begin implementing a permanent ceasefire and withdrawal of occupying forces.” He emphasized the resilience and patience demonstrated by the residents of Gaza throughout the conflict, highlighting their suffering in the face of violence and hardship.

Al-Haja characterized the Palestinian struggle as “an unprecedented war,” noting that the people of Gaza have endured numerous atrocities committed by the occupying forces. “Their determination has not faltered in the face of killings, starvation, displacement, and losses,” he added. His remarks were reported by Al Jazeera.

Furthermore, Al-Haja accused Israel of prolonging negotiations and committing repeated massacres during the conflict. He claimed that mediation efforts had been sabotaged multiple times, yet Hamas continued to seek a resolution. “Despite constant violations of agreements, we kept negotiating and did everything to stop the aggression,” he stated.

Humanitarian Efforts and Prisoner Exchange

The agreement with Israel is said to include provisions for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, the opening of the Rafah border crossing, and a prisoner exchange involving 250 individuals sentenced to life imprisonment and 1,700 prisoners from Gaza. Al-Haja highlighted that the implementation of this ceasefire would effectively halt the aggression against the Palestinian people.

He further noted that Hamas has acted responsibly in accordance with plans set forth by former U.S. President Donald Trump, suggesting that their actions have prioritized the interests of the Palestinian population and aimed to save lives.

The announcement of the ceasefire marks a significant moment for both Hamas and the residents of Gaza, who have faced immense challenges throughout the conflict. As the situation develops, the international community will be watching closely to see how the agreement unfolds and if lasting peace can be achieved.