Hamas Declares End of War in Gaza Amid New Ceasefire Agreement

Hamas has announced that the war in Gaza has officially come to an end. The group’s chief negotiator, Halil Al-Haja, confirmed on March 15, 2024, that they received guarantees from the United States and international mediators to ensure a permanent cessation of hostilities. The next step, he noted, involves Israel ratifying the ceasefire agreement.

During an emergency address, Al-Haja stated, “Today we announce that a deal has been reached to end the war and aggression against our people and to begin the implementation of a lasting ceasefire and withdrawal of occupying forces.” He emphasized the world’s shock at the suffering endured by the residents of Gaza throughout the conflict.

Al-Haja characterized the Palestinian struggle as a “unprecedented war.” He highlighted the resilience of Gazans, who faced atrocities and the brutality of the occupying forces. “Their determination did not falter in the face of killings, hunger, displacement, and losses,” he remarked, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The negotiator accused Israel of stalling discussions and committing repeated massacres. According to him, mediation efforts were frequently undermined. He stated, “Despite constant violations of agreements, we continued to negotiate and did everything to stop the aggression,” adding that Hamas acted responsibly according to the plan set forth by former US President Donald Trump to protect Palestinian interests and save lives.

Al-Haja clarified that the agreement with Israel includes provisions for the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the opening of the Rafah border crossing, and a prisoner exchange that will involve 250 individuals sentenced to life and 1,700 detainees from Gaza. The deal aims to initiate a permanent ceasefire, which Al-Haja believes will end the aggression against the Palestinian people.

The implications of this agreement are significant for the region, as both sides seek to move towards a more stable future. The international community will be closely monitoring the developments following this announcement, particularly regarding Israel’s response and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.