Biden announces Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage deal brokered in Doha largest Gaza pause

Five days before leaving office, President Biden announces a phased ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, brokered through months of negotiations led by Qatar, Egypt, and the US in Doha. The first phase includes a six-week ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of Gaza, the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas, and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners by Israel. Biden's team worked closely with Trump's incoming Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff in the final weeks of talks, with both sides crediting a joint effort. Biden calls the negotiations "one of the toughest I've ever experienced." Trump simultaneously claims full credit on Truth Social. The deal is the most significant pause in the 15-month war that has killed more than 46,000 Palestinians.