'More than 400 days of struggle, a day of success', says Biden after Gaza deal reached

"More than 400 days of struggle, a day of success", said President Joe Biden on Wednesday (January 15) after a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel was announced.

Negotiators reached a phased deal on Wednesday to end the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas, the U.S. and Qatar said, after 15 months of bloodshed that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and inflamed the Middle East.

"My friend for years in the United States Senate, former Senator George Mitchell, who did so much to forge peace in Northern Ireland, once said about diplomacy. He said, 'it is a 700 days of failure and one day success. 700 days of failure and one day success'. Well, we've had many difficult days since Hamas began this terrible war. We've encountered roadblocks and setbacks. We've not given up. And now, after more than 400 days of struggle, a day of success has arrived. God bless all the hostages and their families. May God protect the troops, of all those who work for peace,” Biden said. 

The complex accord outlines a six-week initial ceasefire phase and includes the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and release of hostages taken by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

(Production: Paul Vieira)