Breaking News: Hamas and PIJ Agree to Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange
In a groundbreaking development, negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire in Doha, Qatar, have seen a positive breakthrough on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. The leader of Hamas in Gaza, Muhammad Sinwar, has reportedly agreed to the proposed deal, according to Israeli officials cited by Axios.
Sinwar, brother of the late Hamas politburo chief Yahya Sinwar and current leader of the group, has given a “positive response,” as stated by other officials. There is optimism that the agreement could be reached as soon as tomorrow.
Public Broadcasting Corporation of Israel, Kan, also reported that Hamas has given the green light for the ceasefire. Additionally, two Palestinian sources close to the Doha negotiations confirmed that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) have agreed to a ceasefire and a prisoner exchange deal.
One source informed Agence France-Presse (AFP) that “Hamas and PIJ informed the mediators of their approval of the final draft of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.” Another source added that “Hamas conveyed its positive response to Israel through mediators after reaching an agreement on all points and details.”
This development marks a significant step towards resolving tensions, with the implementation now dependent on final procedural steps.
Timeline for Prisoner Exchange between Hamas and Israel
As reported by Channel 12 Israel, the first wave of Israeli prisoners’ release by Hamas is set to take place on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The agreement is close to being signed, with the official announcement likely to be made no later than Thursday, January 16, 2025.
The deal is said to be similar to the one proposed on May 27, 2024, with the first prisoners to be released being children and non-combatant women. The schedule for the prisoner exchange is as follows:
– On the first day: Three prisoners will be released.
– On the seventh day: Four prisoners will be released.
– On the 14th day: Three more will be released, with priority given to women.
This development comes after 48 days of gunfire and bombings that claimed thousands of lives. The first hostage to be freed under the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was handed over on November 24, nearly seven weeks after being captured.
