Qatar announces Gaza ceasefire agreement

Israel and Hamas have achieved a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal after intensive mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani announced Wednesday at a press briefing in Doha.

The agreement includes an initial 42-day phase during which more than 15 months of fighting in Gaza will halt. The Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas to the outskirts of Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their residence in the Gaza Strip.

Humanitarian aid will flow in, with 600 trucks entering Gaza daily, including 50 carrying much-needed fuel to restore electricity in the territory, according to Israel's state-owned Kan TV news.

Implementation of the agreement is set to begin on Sunday, Jan 19, with Hamas releasing 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners during the first phase. Details of subsequent phases will be revealed later.

In a joint statement issued by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the three mediators affirmed their role as guarantors of the ceasefire deal, saying they would help ensure that all three stages of the ceasefire will be fully implemented by both parties.

The Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister said that this agreement differs from the one reached in Nov 2023, and he hopes it will lead to lasting peace in the Gaza Strip.

"While the agreement on November was to build the momentum in order to lead for a longer-term agreement, which we have today, but unfortunately, the agreement in November was very transactional. So it was like a day-by-day [agreement]. But this agreement has a clear mechanism for the first 42 days. And there is a clear mechanism to negotiate phase two and three. And all the details of the agreement will be published in the next couple of days, once the details are finalized," said Mohammed.

He added that a follow-up mechanism will be established in Egypt to ensure the implementation of the agreement. Any violations of the agreement will be reported and addressed at a very early stage.

Hamas issued an official statement on Wednesday night, saying that the agreement paves the way for the fulfillment of the Palestinian people's aspirations for liberation and return.

The Israeli Security Cabinet and government are set to convene on Thursday for two consecutive meetings to vote on the deal. While Netanyahu is believed to have a majority, key coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have threatened to quit the government unless there is a clear commitment to resume fighting in Gaza after the hostages' return. Such a move could dissolve Netanyahu's majority, potentially triggering early elections.

Israel's ceremonial President Isaac Herzog urged the government to approve the agreement, describing it as "the right, important, and necessary move".

Since the outbreak of the ongoing Palestine-Israel conflict in Oct 2023, Israel and Hamas have participated in several rounds of negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. While a brief ceasefire in Nov 2023 facilitated the release of some detainees, subsequent talks have failed to secure a permanent ceasefire agreement.

The latest round of ceasefire talks resumed in Doha on Jan 3.

Qatar announces Gaza ceasefire agreement

Qatar announces Gaza ceasefire agreement

Qatar announces Gaza ceasefire agreement

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Monday that the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, and all acts of attacking civilians and non-military targets should be condemned.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Bahraini Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani.

Zayani briefed Wang on the regional situation and the Bahraini position, saying that Bahrain has always been a peace-loving country and should not be subject to unlawful attacks.

The Bahraini side expressed its appreciation and gratitude for China's just stance while voicing its willingness to work with Gulf countries and China to strengthen communication and coordination at both bilateral and multilateral platforms, including the United Nations, so as to achieve regional peace and stability at an early date.

Bahrain will continue to take strong measures to safeguard the security of Chinese personnel and institutions, he said.

For his part, Wang said that the situation in the Gulf region is rapidly escalating and the security of Bahrain has also been compromised, which is of deep concern to China.

China's position is consistent and clear: the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of all countries should be respected, and attacks on civilians and non-military targets should be condemned, he said.

The top priority is to immediately cease military operations to prevent the further spread of conflicts, Wang said.

The path to a breakthrough lies in returning to dialogue and negotiation as soon as possible, so as to strive to restore peace, he said, adding that the lasting solution is an unwavering commitment to jointly abide by international law and the fundamental norms of international relations.

As a strategic partner of the Gulf countries and a responsible major country, China has been actively promoting peace and stopping wars, Wang said.

The Chinese government's special envoy on the Middle East issue is currently shuttling through the region for visits and will also visit Bahrain, he said, adding that China will continue to play a constructive role in safeguarding peace and stability in the Gulf region.

Wang also expressed hope that the Bahraini side will continue to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens and institutions in Bahrain.

Chinese FM says all acts of attacking civilians, non-military targets should be condemned