Chicago – January 15, 2025
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a new ceasefire and hostage exchange deal after months of conflict and more than 15 months of war, President Joe Biden announced on Wednesday.
The agreement includes an initial six-week ceasefire and the gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas in Gaza.
As part of the deal, Hamas will release hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian detainees held by Israel.
President Biden confirmed that American hostages would be included in the first release but did not specify how many.
Hamas took seven Americans hostage, and four have been confirmed dead. Edan Alexander, 20, Keith Siegel, 64, and Saugi Dekel-Chen, 36, are believed to be still alive.
