Hamas confirms permanent ceasefire with Israel

Hamas has confirmed the end of the war and the start of a permanent ceasefire with Israel, according to Al Jazeera, citing a statement from the group’s leadership.

Khalil al-Hayya, head of the Hamas negotiating delegation, said he had received assurances from the United States and other mediators regarding the implementation of the peace deal with Israel.

As part of the agreement, Israel will reportedly release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences, along with around 1,700 others detained since the war began on October 7, 2023.

“The world was astonished by the sacrifice, resilience, and patience of the people of Gaza,” al-Hayya said in a statement broadcast to Gazans, coinciding with the conclusion of Israel’s security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem. The government session, which had been expected to start immediately afterwards, was postponed until 10 p.m.

Al-Hayya said the group had acted with responsibility throughout the talks.

“On the anniversary of the October 7 battle, we salute the martyrs among our leaders—Haniyeh, al-Arouri, Sinwar, and Deif,” he said, referring to top Hamas figures killed in Israeli airstrikes.

By Aghakazim Guliyev