Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire in Gaza
Jan. 15
Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal to end the 15-month war. Israel will give up Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the release of hostages being held by Hamas.
Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza after Hamas’ Oct. 7 terrorist attack, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage. About 100 were released in late November 2023 during a pause in hostilities, in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.
The war has shattered Gaza’s infrastructure and displaced most of its population.
Health officials in Gaza say more than 46,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces, most of them civilians. President Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken have been working to broker this deal.
Dr. Evelyn Farkas, Executive Director of the McCain Institute, joined us to discuss.