In a shocking incident, two senior Iranian judges, Ali Razini and Mohammad Moghiseh, were shot dead on Saturday morning at the country’s supreme court in Tehran. The apparent assassination occurred when an armed individual entered the court, opened fire, and later took their own life while fleeing the scene. A bodyguard was also injured during the attack.

Both Razini and Moghiseh were prominent judicial figures in Iran:

• A senior figure in the judiciary, Razini survived an earlier assassination attempt in 1998.
• Formerly a judge at the Tehran Revolutionary Court, Moghiseh was sanctioned by the U.S. in 2019 for overseeing what were described as “countless unfair trials” and by Canada in 2023 for involvement in “gross and systematic human rights violations.”

While the motive remains unclear, both judges were reportedly involved in the persecution of opponents to the Islamic regime during the 1980s and 1990s.

• The judiciary’s news outlet, Mizan, described the attack as a planned assassination.
• Initial findings indicate the attacker had no known connection to cases handled by the supreme court. Authorities have launched an investigation to uncover potential accomplices.

The deaths of Razini and Moghiseh highlight the intense and often dangerous environment surrounding Iran’s judiciary, particularly for figures associated with controversial rulings and policies.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced a breakthrough ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the end of 15 months of conflict. Speaking optimistically, Biden declared, “Soon the hostages will return home to their families,” highlighting the monumental nature of the deal.

• A complete ceasefire will take effect, accompanied by the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
• Hamas will release all hostages, while Israel has agreed to free Palestinian prisoners in return.
• Qatar’s involvement ensured that provisions for humanitarian aid to Gaza were included in the agreement.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani held a news conference in Doha, confirming the details:

• The deal sets the stage for a long-term truce, with the ceasefire beginning on January 19.
• Thirty-three Israeli hostages will be freed in the first phase of the agreement, with subsequent phases expected to follow.
• Qatar emphasized its commitment to delivering aid to Palestinians and fostering adherence to the agreement by both parties.

While the success of the deal beyond the first phase depends on the cooperation of all parties, negotiators have expressed cautious optimism.

Efforts to broker a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have intensified as negotiators from Israel and Hamas convene in Qatar, with indications that an agreement may be imminent. The talks, mediated by Qatar and supported by U.S. diplomatic efforts, have reached a critical juncture, according to officials familiar with the negotiations.

For the first time in the ongoing conflict, delegations from Israel and Hamas have engaged in indirect discussions within the same building, signaling a significant shift in the dynamics of the talks. Hamas has reportedly softened its stance by dropping the condition for Israeli troops to withdraw entirely from the Gaza Strip before an agreement.

A Palestinian official shared details of the tentative plan, which includes a phased approach to hostilities and hostages:

• Hamas is expected to release three hostages immediately upon signing the agreement, with additional releases staggered over the following weeks.
• Israel would begin a partial withdrawal of troops from populated areas, with phased easing of restrictions on displaced residents.
• Civilians in southern Gaza would be allowed to return to northern areas via designated routes, monitored by a joint Qatari-Egyptian security team equipped with advanced screening technology.
• Israeli forces would retain positions in key border areas, including an 800-meter buffer zone, during the initial 42-day phase.

Israel has reportedly agreed to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including long-term detainees, in exchange for 34 hostages held by Hamas. The ceasefire agreement also outlines a roadmap for subsequent phases, with further negotiations slated to begin on the 16th day of the truce.

U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about the progress, describing the deal as “on the brink” of being finalized. He has been in active communication with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Qatar’s Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani to facilitate the discussions.

The resumption of talks in Qatar marks a critical step toward de-escalating a conflict that has caused immense suffering.