Khalil Al-Hayya, the Head of the Negotiating Delegation and Head of the Hamas Movement in the Gaza Strip, announced on Thursday that they officially had reached an agreement that ensures a “permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of occupation forces from Gaza, the entry of humanitarian aid through the Rafah crossing, and a prisoner exchange.”

In his statement, al-Hayya said, “As part of the deal, 250 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,700 detainees from Gaza will be released, along with imprisoned women and children.”

Al-Hayya affirmed that Hamas has received guarantees from international mediators and the US administration for the full implementation of the agreement. He said that work will continue with national and Islamic forces to complete the remaining steps in line with the rights and interests of the Palestinian people.

He added, “The Palestinian resistance has demonstrated a remarkable example of courage and determination, showing the world that Gaza will never surrender or compromise on its rights.”

“This agreement was the result of the steadfastness and resilience of our people in Gaza, who fought a battle unlike any the world has witnessed. They resisted the tyranny of the enemy and its military brutality, successfully foiling its military and political schemes.”

Al-Hayya noted that the Movement positively responded to international efforts to reach a ceasefire but emphasized that Israel consistently stalled in implementing agreements.

In his speech, he saluted the Palestinian people in the West Bank, the 1948 territories, and the diaspora, expressing deep appreciation. He also thanked the mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and Türkiye, and paid tribute to the nations that stood by Palestine in blood and struggle — Yemen, Lebanon, Iraq, and Iran.

He further praised global solidarity with Gaza, highlighting the millions who marched worldwide, as well as those who joined land and sea convoys, and all who spoke truth in the face of oppression.

Al-Hayya also expressed gratitude to everyone who has supported the Palestinian cause through popular and political solidarity worldwide.

He concluded by saying, “We consider this achievement a new beginning toward realizing our people’s aspirations and right to self-determination, culminating in the establishment of an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.”