The Israeli government has approved a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, set to take effect on Sunday morning. The deal entails three key phases:
- Immediate Actions:
- 33 Israeli hostages will be exchanged for 95 Palestinian prisoners, with the first three hostages expected to be released on Sunday.
- Humanitarian aid to Gaza will increase significantly, including up to 600 aid trucks daily and the deployment of prefabricated hospitals to address the healthcare crisis.
- Second Phase (Post 16 Days):
- Discussions for a complete Israeli military withdrawal and the release of remaining hostages will commence, aiming for a longer-term ceasefire and calm.
- Third Phase:
- Focus on rebuilding Gaza and addressing long-term humanitarian and infrastructural needs.
The agreement follows intense negotiations and debates within the Israeli cabinet. Some far-right ministers opposed the deal, citing concerns over releasing convicted prisoners. Families of the hostages have expressed mixed reactions, urging full implementation of all phases to ensure the safe return of all hostages and the war’s conclusion.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, violence continues in Gaza, raising concerns about the agreement’s immediate impact. The international community, including Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S., is monitoring and facilitating the agreement’s implementation through a joint operations room.
