New Delhi: The Israeli cabinet’s endorsement of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas has facilitated a halt to the 15-month conflict in Gaza, with the six-week truce set to commence on Sunday, January 19.
Despite resistance from certain far-right factions within the government, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet approved the truce following a significant meeting.
The arrangement was brokered by prominent negotiators from Qatar and Egypt, with active participation from US officials. This agreement seeks to conclude the hostilities that erupted following Hamas’ unexpected assault on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Israel-Gaza ceasefire deal in points
- The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement is set to span 42 days, during which 33 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza will be released. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani indicated that the hostages will comprise “civilian women, female recruits, children, elderly individuals, as well as civilians who are ill or injured.”
- According to two sources affiliated with the militant group, three Israeli women soldiers are expected to be the first to be released on Sunday evening, although Hamas categorizes all Israeli citizens of military age as soldiers.
- In return for the hostages, Israel “was prepared to pay a heavy price – in the hundreds,” stated government spokesperson David Mencer. Up to 95 Palestinian prisoners are anticipated to be released in this initial exchange. The Associated Press reported that Israel’s Justice Ministry has issued a list of over 700 Palestinian prisoners slated for release under the ceasefire agreement. However, it remains unclear whether the 95 prisoners released by Israel will constitute the first group from this list of 700. Israel has announced that no releases can occur before 4 PM local time on Sunday.
- Three designated points have been established for the release: one at Kerem Shalom, one at Erez, both border crossings with Gaza, and another in Reim, located to the east of the region. The hostages will be taken to these locations, where medical and mental health professionals will assess them. Following this evaluation, they will be transported to hospitals in Israel by helicopter or vehicle.
- During the initial 42 days, Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas of Gaza to facilitate the exchange of prisoners and the movement of displaced Palestinians. An Israeli military official noted that the army has developed a “revised defensive plan” that includes “enhancing defensive measures along the Gaza Strip border.”
- While Israeli forces will retreat from certain locations and routes within the Gaza Strip, residents will not be permitted to return to areas occupied by Israeli troops or those adjacent to the Israel-Gaza border.
- According to reports from Israeli media, the proposed ceasefire agreement stipulates that Israel will establish a buffer zone within Gaza during the initial phase. Sources close to Hamas indicate that Israeli forces are expected to remain positioned up to 800 meters inside Gaza, extending from Rafah in the south to Beit Hanun in the north.
- Although Israeli troops will not completely withdraw from Gaza until all hostages are released, the arrangement will permit displaced Palestinians to return via an electronic checkpoint equipped with surveillance cameras.
Second phase negotiations
An Israeli official announced earlier this week that discussions regarding the second phase of the ceasefire agreement are set to commence on the “16th day” following the initiation of the first phase.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed indicated that the mediating nations—Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—will diligently oversee the truce arrangement through a designated body located in Cairo.
He further noted that there exists a “clear mechanism to negotiate phases two and three.” “We aspire for this to mark the final chapter of the conflict and hope that all parties will adhere to the terms of this agreement,” stated the Prime Minister of Qatar.
Outgoing US President Joe Biden emphasized that the second phase of the truce is intended to establish a “permanent end to the war,” which would include provisions for the release of any remaining living hostages. Subsequently, all remaining Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from Gaza.
