H.E. Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, Qatar’s Prime Minister, has announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which will take effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025. The agreement aims to halt the 15-month-long hostilities in Gaza and includes provisions for a prisoner exchange between both sides.
Key Details of the Agreement
Phased Implementation
The agreement follows a structured three-phase approach:
- Phase One (First six weeks): Israeli troops will gradually withdraw from central Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to return home. During this phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives, including women and children. In exchange, Israel will free 30 Palestinian prisoners for each Israeli civilian and 50 for every Israeli soldier.
- Phase Two (From day 16 of Phase One): Both sides will negotiate the release of remaining hostages and work toward a complete Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.
- Phase Three will focus on repatriating the deceased and launching reconstruction efforts in Gaza.
Current Status
Hamas has reportedly approved the ceasefire proposal, but Israel is still finalizing details. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has stated that some aspects remain “unresolved,” and the Israeli cabinet is expected to vote on the agreement soon.
Humanitarian Impact
The ceasefire will enable significant humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, which has suffered severe devastation. Reports estimate that over 46,707 Palestinians have died since the conflict escalated in October 2023, with many more injured or displaced.
Global Reactions
International leaders and organizations have welcomed the announcement with optimism. U.S. President Joe Biden praised the progress in negotiations and highlighted the ceasefire’s potential to pave the way for a “credible path to statehood” for Palestinians.
This agreement marks a crucial moment in the Israel-Hamas conflict, offering hope for a more permanent resolution and improved humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
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