Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement and hostages’ release deal, potentially pausing a 15-month conflict in Gaza. The phased deal includes a six-week ceasefire, gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and exchanges of hostages and prisoners. Thousands in Gaza celebrated this announcement, indicating widespread public hope for peace. Details regarding the implementation phases and governmental approvals are forthcoming, with international mediators remaining involved.
Israel and Hamas have reportedly reached a ceasefire agreement and a hostages’ release deal, as indicated by sources involved in negotiations in Qatar. This development marks a potential pause in the destructive 15-month conflict in the Gaza Strip, raising hopes for a resolution to the prolonged violence. Following this announcement, thousands of Gazans took to the streets to celebrate the news, highlighting the public’s eagerness for an end to the fighting.
Details from the negotiations reveal a phased ceasefire plan set to last six weeks. This initial phase includes the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israel. The first phase aims to secure the release of 33 Israeli hostages, prioritizing women, children, and older individuals.
Subsequent negotiations for the second phase are expected to commence 16 days into the initial ceasefire. This phase aims to finalize the release of all remaining hostages, establish a permanent ceasefire, and facilitate the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The third phase is projected to oversee the return of deceased individuals and initiate reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with oversight from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
The Israeli government is set to vote on the ceasefire agreement on Thursday, pending approval from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s cabinet. Meanwhile, US President-elect Donald Trump announced the deal’s success on his social media platform, asserting that the hostages would be released imminently. The ceasefire deal has the potential to bring much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza, aiding thousands of displaced individuals who wish to return to their homes, alongside the promise of broader stability in the region.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has been characterized by severe violence and humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip for over 15 months. As negotiations for a ceasefire intensified, key mediators, including Qatar, played crucial roles in facilitating dialogue between the two parties. The latest development signals a possible turning point in what has been one of the deadliest confrontations in recent history, amid growing international efforts to restore peace and provide humanitarian relief.
The reported ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas signifies a critical step towards halting one of the most violent conflicts in recent years and outlines a plan for the phased release of hostages and prisoners. As both parties prepare for potential implementation, the agreement raises hopes for lasting peace and humanitarian restoration in Gaza. Continued monitoring of the situation will be essential, particularly regarding the implementation of the terms agreed upon during negotiations.
Original Source: www.france24.com