Palestinians gathered outside Nasser Hospital to celebrate after US President-elect Donald Trump announced a prisoner swap deal between Israel and Hamas.
According to eyewitnesses, tens of thousands of people took to the streets in celebration. In images circulating on Palestinian media and social media, people sang and danced, with some men crying with joy.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement reached on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, calling on all parties to “honor their obligations”.
“I welcome the announcement of an agreement to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza,” Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York, praising Egypt, Qatar and the US for their diplomatic efforts to reach the agreement.
Guterres called on all relevant parties to honour their obligations and ensure that the agreement is fully implemented.
“Our priority now must be to alleviate the immense suffering caused by this conflict,” Guterres stressed.
He expressed the UN’s full commitment to support the implementation of the agreement.
“It is imperative that this ceasefire removes significant security and political obstacles to the delivery of aid throughout Gaza,” Guterres added.
Pointing to the “catastrophic levels” of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, Guterres called on all parties to provide rapid, safe and effective humanitarian assistance to all civilians in need.
Guterres further stressed that the agreement is a “crucial first step” towards achieving broader goals.
“We must mobilize all efforts to also advance broader goals, including preserving the unity and integrity of the occupied Palestinian territory,” the UN chief said.
He also stressed the importance of a “united Palestinian Authority” for lasting peace and stability, and urged all to use the agreement as an opportunity for a political process.
“I call on parties and all relevant partners to seize this opportunity to establish a credible political path for a better future for Palestinians, Israelis and the wider region, ending the occupation and achieving a negotiated two-state solution, with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security, in accordance with international law,” Guterres said.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman al-Thani has officially announced that a ceasefire agreement has been reached in the Gaza Strip.
“Qatar, Egypt and the United States are pleased to announce that an agreement has been reached regarding Gaza. With the approval of both sides in the negotiations, work will continue tonight to finalize the implementation aspects,” al-Thani said.
He said that implementation of the agreement would begin on Sunday, January 19, and that Hamas would release 33 prisoners in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners.
“We are working with Hamas and Israel on steps to implement the ceasefire agreement,” al-Thani said.
He stressed that Qatar, Egypt and the United States will work to ensure the implementation of the ceasefire agreement.
“The details of the second and third phases will be after the first phase of the agreement is completed. We are working with Hamas and Israel on steps to implement the ceasefire agreement. The agreement will bring peace, and the responsibility now lies with both parties. Teams from Qatar, Egypt and the United States will work to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement,” al-Thani said.
He stressed that there will be mechanisms to monitor the implementation of the ceasefire agreement and monitor any violations of the agreement.
After 465 days of war, it was announced today that Hamas and Israel have reached a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip that will take place in three phases. In exchange for Israeli prisoners, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from its prisons, some of whom are serving life sentences.
