Speaking from the White House on Wednesday, Biden highlighted the significance of the agreement, which aims to halt over 15 months of fighting in Gaza, and reiterated his commitment to achieving a lasting peace.
The ceasefire agreement, announced by Qatar's Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, was finalized after extensive mediation by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
It marks a pivotal moment in the conflict, as both sides have agreed to a phased ceasefire-for-hostages deal.
The initial phase, set to begin on Sunday, January 19, will see a 42-day cessation of hostilities.
During this period, the Israeli military will withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.
Biden emphasized that the agreement was aimed at ending the war and providing relief to those impacted by the prolonged conflict.
'Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get to phase two, which is a permanent end of the war,' he stated, adding that achieving a sustainable peace requires dedication from all parties involved.
The deal includes significant humanitarian measures. Over the 42-day ceasefire period, 600 aid trucks, including 50 carrying essential fuel supplies, will be allowed to enter Gaza daily to address the territory's severe humanitarian crisis.
Electricity restoration is a key priority, as much of Gaza remains in darkness due to the ongoing conflict.
Hamas has committed to releasing 33 hostages during the first phase of the agreement in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Additional details about subsequent phases, including further prisoner exchanges and measures to ensure long-term stability, are expected to be disclosed in the coming weeks.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement, calling it a vital step toward alleviating the suffering caused by the conflict.
'Our priority must be to ease the tremendous suffering caused by this conflict,' he said, reiterating the need for a two-state solution as a long-term resolution.
Despite the deal's significance, its implementation faces political hurdles. The Israeli Security Cabinet and government are scheduled to meet on Thursday to approve the agreement.
Although Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to secure a majority, key coalition partners Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir have voiced opposition, threatening to resign unless the government commits to resuming military action in Gaza after the hostages are released.
In a joint statement, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States pledged to act as guarantors of the agreement, ensuring its full implementation.
Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi lauded the deal as a culmination of over a year of relentless efforts.
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates and other regional powers have expressed strong support for the agreement, emphasizing the importance of honoring commitments and alleviating the suffering of detainees and hostages.
The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 250 hostages.
The agreement, initially proposed in May 2024, represents the culmination of intermittent talks and four days of intensive negotiations in Doha.
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