Israel launched intensified airstrikes on Gaza on Wednesday, hours after a cease-fire agreement was announced, according to residents and authorities in the Palestinian territory. Mediators continued efforts to reduce violence before the truce is set to take effect on Sunday.
The cease-fire deal between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza, emerged after months of negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The agreement follows 15 months of devastating conflict that has killed tens of thousands of people in Gaza and heightened tensions across the region.
Under the terms of the deal, an initial six-week cease-fire would allow for the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Hamas has agreed to release hostages taken during the conflict in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
In Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced that the truce would take effect on Sunday. Negotiators are working with both sides on logistical steps to implement the deal, he said.
“This agreement will stop the fighting in Gaza, deliver urgently needed humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families after more than 15 months of captivity,” President Biden said during remarks at the White House.
Former President Donald J. Trump, who is set to return to office on Monday, also claimed credit for the breakthrough, calling it a “historic moment” during a statement released from his Mar-a-Lago residence.
An Israeli official said the agreement would not become official until it is approved by the country’s security cabinet and government. Votes are scheduled for Thursday, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition expected to approve the deal despite opposition from some hard-line members.
