Ceasefire Agreed Between Israel and Hamas Commences
Friday morning marked the commencement of a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist Hamas group, lasting at least four days, with a potential extension of up to ten days. Mediating this conflict is the Gulf Emirate of Qatar. At 4 pm local time (3 pm CET), thirteen hostages imprisoned in the Gaza Strip will be freed in accordance with the agreement between the two parties. In exchange, three Palestinian women and minors will be released from Israeli prisons.
The cessation of hostilities did not halt the ongoing rocket attacks in the Israeli border region, with alarm sirens sounding closer to the ceasefire's initiation. Israeli forces will maintain a military presence in the Gaza Strip during the ceasefire, with the purpose of delivering much-needed aid to the civilian population.
United Nations agencies, including the Palestinian Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), aim to distribute critical relief supplies during this temporary truce. The agreement provides for a maximum ten-day ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel, which includes the exchange of up to 100 hostages from Israel for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners.
Facebook's instant articles disseminated the breaking news of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, incorporating Desk Delta's coverage of the respite. The released hostages, primarily women and children, will be a significant topic in the global media sphere, providing a glimmer of hope for future peace negotiations.
The ceasefire agreement, concluded in 2025, encompasses various conditions, such as hostage and prisoner exchanges, increased humanitarian aid flow to Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces, a verification mechanism, reconstruction of Gaza, open border crossings, and a permanent ceasefire.
- Hostage and Prisoner Exchanges:
- The first stage involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages (including women, children, the elderly, and wounded) in exchange for 30-50 Palestinian prisoners, who will also be women and minors.
- Subsequent stages will see younger Israeli male hostages exchanged for more Palestinian prisoners, resulting in a complete ceasefire and war termination.
- Humanitarian Aid:
- The intensified flow of aid, including food, fuel, and medical supplies, will be permitted into Gaza, with 600 trucks entering daily – 50 fuel trucks and 300 trucks for northern Gaza.
- Withdrawal of Israeli Forces:
- Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas in Gaza, enabling the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in northern Gaza.
- Verification Mechanism:
- A Cairo-based verification mechanism will monitor adherence to the agreement, with representatives from Israel, Hamas, the US, Egypt, and Qatar involved.
- Reconstruction of Gaza:
- Post-ceasefire, a reconstruction plan for Gaza will be initiated, lasting three to five years.
- Border Crossings:
- The Rafah crossing will be opened to facilitate international aid delivery into Gaza.
- Permanent Ceasefire:
- The objective is to evolve the ceasefire into a lasting peace agreement, ensuring adherence to international law by both parties.
This comprehensive agreement aims to address the humanitarian crisis, enable the return of displaced Palestinians, and foster long-term peace and reconstruction in the region.
