The people's voice of reason

Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal that includes the return of the hostages

January 15, 2025 – JERUSALEM, Israel – multiple media outlets are reporting that Israel and Hamas have finally reached a ceasefire and hostage release deal. The impending return of President Donald J. Trump (R) in just five days likely helped hasten the outcome.

President-elect Trump posted on his Truth Social account, "WE HAVE A DEAL FOR THE HOSTAGES IN THE MIDDLE EAST. THEY WILL BE RELEASED SHORTLY. THANK YOU!"

The fate of the hostages had been a key sticking point in the negotiations as Hamas had been insisting that they be allowed to keep a dozen of the hostages as collateral to insure that Israel honors the terms of the ceasefire. Leaving any of its people in Hamas's hands was not acceptable to the Israelis.

A ceasefire could be the starting point for a deal to end the conflict that began on October 6, 2024 when Hamas terrorists crossed the border without warning and went on a killing spree that left over 2,000 Israeli men, women, and children dead while raining rockets and missiles down on peaceful Israeli communities. Hamas and its jihadi allies in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria have been devastated by Israeli forces. The Israeli Defense Force has invaded Gaza in force killing tens of thousands. Most of Gaza's senior leaders, including the mastermind of the October 6 attacks, have been hunted down and killed.

A key sticking point in those negotiations have been whether or not Israeli Defense Forces will have a permanent presence in Gaza after the war.

The Israeli security cabinet will have to vote to accept the terms of the ceasefire deal. Any , and then a second vote will go before Israel's parliament, the Knesset. If the deal passes both those votes, there will also be time for appeals against the deal to be brought to the Supreme Court.

Trump had promised fhat "all hell" would break loose if the hostages, including some Americans, are not released.

Original reporting by the Hill contributed to this report.

To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com

 
 

Reader Comments(0)