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Biden Announces: Permanent Ceasefire Agreement in Gaza Including Israeli Withdrawal
In his recent statements, U.S. President Joe Biden announced details of the first phase of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, emphasizing that it will last for six weeks as an initial step aimed at solidifying the truce and laying the groundwork for a comprehensive and permanent solution.
During a press conference held this Wednesday evening, Biden clarified that, during the first phase, the release of American hostages held in Gaza would occur, alongside Israel’s complete withdrawal from the territory as part of its commitments under the agreement.
Biden also noted that the United States would increase the volume of humanitarian aid provided to the residents of the Gaza Strip, in an effort to alleviate their suffering and promote stability in the region.
The U.S. president pointed out that the outlines and specific details of the agreement were established starting on June 31 of last year, underscoring the ongoing efforts to achieve de-escalation.
Biden affirmed that Israel would participate in negotiations over the next six weeks to discuss the details of the second phase of the agreement, and that a comprehensive reconstruction process for Gaza would commence with international support, aiming to ensure a return to normal life in the territory.
He concluded his statements by indicating that "this agreement represents a significant step toward achieving a permanent ceasefire in Gaza," expressing his hope that it would contribute to enhancing security and peace in the region.
In a related context, newly-elected President Donald Trump announced earlier today that Israel and Hamas had reached an agreement regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Additionally, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced this Wednesday evening the success of Qatari mediation efforts in collaboration with Egypt and the United States in reaching a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip.
The implementation of the agreement is set to begin next Sunday (January 19, 2025), with the Qatari Prime Minister confirming that Qatar, Egypt, and the United States will work to ensure full compliance with the agreement, thereby promoting de-escalation and achieving stability in the region, alongside providing mechanisms to monitor compliance and address any violations.
It is worth noting that Israel launched a genocidal war in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023, supported by the U.S., resulting in the deaths and injuries of more than 156,000 Palestinians, most of whom were children and women, as well as over 11,000 missing persons amid massive destruction and famine that led to the deaths of dozens of children and the elderly, making these events one of the worst humanitarian disasters in the world.
