January 15, 2025 at 12:27 p.m. EST
“Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal, in a major breakthrough that includes the release of Israeli hostages, a senior U.S. official said Wednesday, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive negotiations.
The first phase of the agreement, brokered by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, will halt, for now, a 15-month war that changed the Middle East. It includes plans for a limited withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and a surge in humanitarian aid to the enclave.
The initial stage is set to include the exchange of 33 Israeli hostages in Gaza for Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, according to U.S. officials.
Catholic Critique 