Israel and Hamas are on the verge of finalizing a ceasefire agreement, with Qatar mediating the negotiations. The proposed truce aims to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza and includes several critical components:
Hostage Releases
In the initial phase, Hamas would release 33 hostages, including children, women (including female soldiers), men over 50, and individuals who are wounded or ill. While a specific timeline is yet to be established, officials anticipate this process could span several weeks. Subsequent negotiations would focus on securing the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers and younger civilian males, as well as the repatriation of deceased individuals.
Prisoner Exchange
In return, Israel would release a substantial number of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving long sentences for deadly attacks. The exact number depends on the status of the hostages, with estimates suggesting “many hundreds” to over 1,000 prisoners could be freed. Notably, individuals involved in the October 7 attack would not be eligible for release.
Military Withdrawal
Israel plans a phased military withdrawal from Gaza, maintaining a presence along the border to safeguard adjacent Israeli communities. Security arrangements would be implemented along the Philadelphi corridor bordering Egypt, with Israeli forces retreating from certain areas shortly after the agreement’s commencement. This would facilitate the return of displaced Gazans to their homes, particularly in the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza.
Humanitarian Aid
The ceasefire would allow for an increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza, addressing the severe crisis faced by its residents. Although Israel currently permits aid into the enclave, disputes over the quantity and distribution have arisen, with reports of looting by criminal gangs exacerbating the situation.
Governance of Gaza
The question of Gaza’s post-war governance remains unresolved in the current proposal, due to its complexity. Israel has expressed opposition to Hamas retaining power and has also rejected the idea of the Palestinian Authority administering Gaza. The issue is expected to be addressed in future negotiations.
While the ceasefire proposal marks a significant step toward peace, its successful implementation will require careful navigation of these complex issues by all parties involved.