Doha: The 15-month-long war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has reached a temporary halt following an agreement on the first phase of a 42-day ceasefire, international mediators announced. The truce, brokered after months of negotiations led by Egypt and Qatar with support from the United States, comes just five days before Donald Trump assumes office as U.S. President. A vote in the Israeli cabinet to finalise the agreement is expected on Thursday.
Background and Developments
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, after a large-scale incursion into Israel by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the abduction of approximately 251 hostages. During the ceasefire initiated in November 2023, 80 hostages were released, while others held in Israeli custody were freed in exchange. However, 94 hostages remain captive, with Israel reporting that over 30 of them have been killed during the conflict.
The agreement marks the start of a three-phase process, with the first phase focusing on immediate humanitarian and prisoner exchanges, as well as temporary stabilisation measures.
Key Provisions of the Agreement
Phase One: Initial Implementation (42 Days)
Hostage Releases:
Hamas will release 33 hostages to Israel, including women, children, the elderly, soldiers, the wounded, and the sick.
Three hostages will be released immediately upon the agreement’s activation.
The remaining hostages will be released incrementally over six weeks.
Prisoner Exchange:
In return, Israel will release over 1,000 Palestinian detainees currently held in its prisons.
Military Withdrawal:
Israeli forces will withdraw from heavily populated areas of Gaza during this phase.
Humanitarian Access:
Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza to the south will be allowed to return to their homes. Additionally, increased humanitarian aid will flow into the region to address urgent needs.
Subsequent Phases
Phase Two: While details remain unclear, it is anticipated that this phase will involve the release of male hostages held by Hamas.
Phase Three: This final stage is expected to address the reconstruction of Gaza and the release of any remaining hostages.
On the 16th day of the initial ceasefire period, discussions regarding the second and third phases are set to commence. These talks will likely focus on the further release of captives, rebuilding efforts, and the establishment of more permanent stability in the region.
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