Hamas Said The US And Mediators Have Assured Them The War In Gaza Has Ended Completely
The deal includes Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza, the reopening of the Rafah crossing, the entry of aid, and a major prisoner exchange.
Hamas’ political leader in Gaza Khalil al-Hayya said on Thursday, Oct. 9, that the group had received assurances from the United States, Arab mediators and Turkey that Israel’s war on Gaza “has ended completely.”
In a video statement released from Doha, Hayya announced that a permanent ceasefire had been reached and that implementation was starting immediately.
“Today we announce that we have reached an agreement to end the war and aggression against our people,” he said, outlining terms that include the withdrawal of Israeli forces, the reopening of the Rafah crossing in both directions, the entry of aid and a prisoner exchange.
He said the deal would see 250 Palestinians sentenced to life imprisonment released, as well as 1,700 others arrested after Oct. 7, 2023, and all detained Palestinian women and children.
“We have received guarantees from the mediating brothers and from the American administration, all of whom confirm that the war has ended completely,” he added.
Hayya had survived an assassination attempt by Israel when it bombed Qatar in September.
An Israeli government spokesperson said the ceasefire would take effect within 24 hours of its cabinet approving the deal, after which hostages held in Gaza would be released within 72 hours. US president Donald Trump said in a separate statement that he expected all hostages to be released on Monday or Tuesday and that he planned to attend a signing ceremony in Egypt and address Israel’s parliament.
Aid convoys are now preparing to re-enter Gaza through the Rafah crossing with Egypt, and Israeli forces appear to have begun to withdraw.
Some details, such as the full timeline of Israeli troops’ withdrawal, Gaza governance after the war and the conditions around Hamas’ disarmament, are still being negotiated.
Ikran Dahir
Kassy Cho
Sofia Hou
