DOHA/JERUSALEM — Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to pause their devastating 15-month war in the Gaza Strip, mediators announced Wednesday, marking a pivotal moment in the deadliest and most destructive conflict between the two adversaries.

The deal, finalized after weeks of intense negotiations in Doha, Qatar, raises hopes for a potential end to the war and provides a framework for humanitarian relief and rebuilding efforts in Gaza.

The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, will include the phased release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.

The agreement also permits the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and paves the way for urgently needed humanitarian aid to flow into the devastated territory.

The initial six-week ceasefire is set to begin in the coming days, pending final approval from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet. The truce will also initiate discussions aimed at a permanent resolution to the conflict.

Under the agreement:

- Hostage Release: Thirty-three of the nearly 100 hostages held by Hamas will be released in the first phase. Additional negotiations will determine the fate of the remaining captives.

- Prisoner Exchange: Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including women, children, and elderly individuals.

- Humanitarian Aid: Hundreds of trucks carrying food, medical supplies, and other essentials will be allowed to enter Gaza daily.

- Displaced Civilians: Palestinians displaced by the conflict will begin returning to what remains of their homes.

While the deal provides hope for an end to hostilities, it leaves unanswered questions about Gaza’s future governance, reconstruction efforts, and the fate of Hamas as a political and military entity.

The war, which began with Hamas's surprise cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, has devastated Gaza.

Over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed, including many women and children, and more than 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, according to local health officials and international organizations.

Tens of thousands of homes have been destroyed, hospitals are barely functional, and experts warn that famine may already be unfolding in northern Gaza.

Meanwhile, international criticism of Israel’s military tactics has mounted, with allegations of excessive civilian casualties and war crimes.

U.S. President Joe Biden, who played a crucial role in brokering the ceasefire, is expected to deliver a statement later this week. His administration has balanced military aid to Israel with efforts to limit civilian casualties and prevent regional destabilization.

Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump praised the deal on his Truth Social platform, writing: “WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!”

The ceasefire raises significant questions about Gaza’s postwar future. While Hamas has agreed to withdraw from areas near the Israeli border, it remains unclear who will govern Gaza or oversee the reconstruction of its infrastructure.

The United States has proposed involving the Palestinian Authority, with assistance from Arab and international organizations, but these plans face significant political and logistical hurdles.

Netanyahu’s government, which initially resisted the ceasefire, now faces domestic and international pressure to address postwar accountability.

For its part, Hamas remains a deeply entrenched force in Palestinian society, with significant influence in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond.

Analysts warn that unless a sustainable political solution is reached, the group could reconstitute its military capabilities, potentially leading to future conflicts.

The ceasefire also comes amid significant geopolitical shifts in the region. In November, Israel and Hezbollah reached a truce following a year-long conflict in Lebanon. Additionally, the overthrow of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has weakened Iran’s regional allies, including Hamas.

Despite the fragile truce, both sides face daunting challenges in turning the ceasefire into a lasting peace. For now, the world watches as Israel, Hamas, and the international community navigate the complex road to rebuilding lives and ensuring long-term stability in the region. — Agencies