A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will begin on Sunday, allowing for the exchange of hostages and Palestinian prisoners. This pause follows intense conflict and aims to provide humanitarian aid while facilitating the return of displaced individuals. The first phase will last 42 days, with further negotiations planned.
A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is scheduled to commence on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time, as reported by Qatari officials. Families of hostages in Gaza are anxiously awaiting news, while humanitarian groups prepare to deliver much-needed aid. This development follows the approval of the ceasefire deal by Israel’s Cabinet, which met during the Jewish Sabbath, amplifying emotions regarding the potential return of hostages.
This ceasefire marks a significant pause after 15 months of severe conflict, representing efforts to mitigate the deadliest period of violence between the two parties. The initial phase will span 42 days, with subsequent negotiations planned to address more complex matters after this period. Israel’s security Cabinet will evaluate the situation post-six weeks to determine the next steps.
Despite the announcement of the ceasefire, Israeli airstrikes persisted, leading to the death of 23 individuals within a recent 24-hour period, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. Individuals like Abdallah Al-Aqad voiced concerns regarding the truce, particularly after losing family members to recent airstrikes, while sirens alerted residents in southern Israel due to projectiles launched from Yemen, indicating broader regional tensions.
The first phase of the ceasefire involves the release of 33 hostages held in Gaza in exchange for 737 Palestinian prisoners. According to the plan, the process will initiate at 4 p.m. on Sunday, with scheduled releases of hostages occurring progressively. Additionally, 1,167 residents of Gaza who were uninvolved in the conflict will also be set free, focusing primarily on women and children under 19 years of age.
Palestinian prisoners convicted of deadly actions will face exile from Israel or the West Bank as part of the negotiated terms. Furthermore, the remaining male soldiers among the hostages will be addressed in a second negotiation phase, contingent on the establishment of a lasting ceasefire and an Israeli withdrawal from Gaza.
During the initial phase, Israeli troops are expected to retreat to a one-kilometer buffer zone within Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced residents. Many Palestinians, currently housed in inadequate tent camps, are eager to return to their homes despite widespread destruction. A significant influx of humanitarian aid is anticipated, with trucks prepped to cross from Egypt into Gaza as officials oversee the logistics of this essential delivery.
The ceasefire follows the October 7 Hamas-led assault, which resulted in approximately 1,200 fatalities and approximately 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military action has led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths according to local health data, which, however, does not segregate civilians from militants, although a substantial proportion are reportedly women and children.
The anticipated ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seeks to alleviate the ongoing humanitarian crisis while facilitating the exchange of hostages and prisoners. The initial phase’s structure aims to address immediate needs for peace; however, the road ahead, which includes negotiations for a lasting resolution, remains complex and fraught with challenges. This development carries profound implications for the affected populations, who are in desperate need of stability and support.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
