The post Israel and Hamas sign hostage-ceasefire deal in Doha after mediators iron out final kinks appeared first on The Times of Israel.

The Palestinian delegation negotiating the Gaza “ceasefire” agreement in Doha made an eleventh-hour effort earlier this week to push for the release of two of the most high-profile political prisoners held by Israel: Marwan Barghouti,

Negotiators from Israel, Hamas, the US and Qatar have officially signed their historic ceasefire deal in Doha, but the truce is not expected to be implemented until Monday.

Israel delayed approval of a deal with Palestinian militant group Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and release of hostages, but the United States said it still expected the agreement to go into effect on Sunday as planned.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken had said the U.S. wanted a ceasefire deal in Gaza and all remaining captives released before Donald Trump takes office on Jan. 20.

Israel intensified strikes on Gaza hours after a ceasefire and hostage release deal was announced, residents and authorities in the Palestinian enclave said, and mediators sought to quell fighting ahead of the truce's start on Sunday.

The deal, not yet formally announced, outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel.

Last minute negotiations between Hamas and Israel on a ceasefire deal delayed the release of hostages by a day.

Israel and Hamas have finally reached an agreement for a ceasefire and hostage exchange deal. The world has heaved a sigh of relief, in anticipation of the end to unspeakable brutality heaped on each side by the other.

Sensing a breakthrough, the Egyptian mediator urgently dispatched Major General Ahmed Abdel Khaleq - who oversees the Palestinian portfolio in Egyptian intelligence - to Doha. After meeting with Hamas representatives, he secured confirmation the group would make what a senior Hamas official described as "painful concessions."

For many Israelis, the ceasefire offers a brief respite from relentless conflict. The return of hostages has provided closure for families and a temporary sense of relief. However, the broader objectives of dismantling Hamas and ensuring lasting security continue to elude Israel.