Israel and Hamas has just agreed on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-release agreement following 15 months of war.

The news was announced by Qatar and the United States, who has been the two mediators of the negotiation. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdul Rahman Ai Thani said the agreement would come into effect on Sunday once the Israeli cabinet gives its approval.

Following the announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office later confirmed the good news, but added that the final details of the negotiation is still being worked out, but he offered a special mention to U.S President Joe Biden and President-elect Doanld Trump for their roles in securing the agreement.

A small step towards ending the conflict

The Israel-Hamas War was nothing short of a travesty. Countless innocent civilians have lost their lives during this conflict in this short 15 months of conflict.

It was recorded that more than 46,700 people have been killed in Gaza, with more than 2.3 million of the population being evacuated out of their homes. Since the conflict, civilians also had to endure severe food shortages, as well as the lack of fuel, medicine and shelter.

Qatar's prime minister had called for both sides to stop all hostility before they could commence the first six week phase of the ceasefire deals, which he said would see 33 hostages-including women, children and elderly people-exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

The deal will also see Israeli forces withdraw from the densely populated areas of Gaza, allowing for displaced Palestinians to return back to their homes and aid lorries to be allowed into the territory each day.

The second phase would see the remaining hostages released, and a full withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza. The second phase is set to commence on the 16th day of the ceasefire.

The third and final stage would involve the reconstruction of Gaza-something which could take years, and the returning of any hostages bodies.

Qatar, The U.S, and Egypt have all volunteered to help to ensure Israel and Hamas both fulfill their obligations.

The rare collaboration of the two bitter rivals

In his statement, President Biden have highlighted the role of America in securing the deal, saying that it was a result of painstaking American diplomacy.

Biden also gave special credit to his political rival, Donald Trump, for putting pressure on both parties by demanding hostages be released before his inauguration on Monday.

Trump was the first to break the news before the White House and Qatar even made their formal announcement. In his social media post, he attempted to take credit for the success, saying

"This EPIC ceasefire could have only happened as a result of our historic Victory in November, as it signaled to the entire world that my administration would seek Peace and negotiate deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our Allies."

Netanyahu's office announced that they will be releasing an official statement after the completion of the final details of the agreement, which are being worked out at the present.

Tears of joy as peace is finally restored

As the news of the agreement emerged, pictures showed people cheering and waving Palestinian flags in the central Gaza town of Deir al-Balah and southern city of Khan Younis.

Sanabel, a young 17-year-old girl living in the north of Gaza, said in an interview with BBC

"We have been waiting for this for a long time. Finally, I will put my head on my pillow without worrying. It's time to heal."