Hamas described Wednesday’s cease-fire agreement with Israel over the Gaza Strip, set to take effect Sunday, as a “turning point” in its struggle against Israeli occupation.
The Palestinian resistance group praised the agreement as a result of the “legendary steadfastness” of the Palestinian people and the resilience shown by Gaza’s resistance over the past 15 months.
“This cease-fire is a victory for our people, our resistance, our nation, and freedom advocates worldwide,” Hamas stated. “It marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing fight against the occupation and advances our goals of liberation and return.”
Hamas highlighted that the agreement demonstrates its commitment to protecting the people of Gaza, halting Israeli aggression, stopping massacres, and ending what it described as genocide against civilians.
The group also expressed appreciation for the international support Gaza has received, particularly from Arab, Islamic, and global communities, in raising awareness of Israeli actions and calling for an end to the violence. Hamas thanked mediators, especially Qatar and Egypt, for their role in securing the agreement.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani confirmed the agreement at a news conference in Doha.
He detailed the initial phase, which will last 42 days and involve the release of 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinian prisoners.
The cease-fire comes on day 467 of what Hamas describes as Israel’s genocide against Gaza, supported by the US, which has resulted in over 156,000 casualties, predominantly women and children.
The conflict has left more than 11,000 people missing and caused widespread destruction, creating a humanitarian crisis that has claimed many lives, particularly among the elderly and children, in one of the worst global humanitarian disasters in recent times.
