After 15 long months, there is some relief in Gaza. Hamas and Israel have finally agreed to a cease-fire. However, the agreement, which will come into force in a phased manner, has several conditions.
The terms of the agreement include the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip and the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons in exchange for the release of prisoners held by Hamas.
According to the agreement, in the first phase, Hamas will release 33 Israeli prisoners, including women, children and men over the age of 50.
Negotiations on the implementation of the second phase of the agreement will begin within the 16th day of the first phase. It could include the release of all remaining Israeli prisoners, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
The third phase involves the return of the remaining bodies and the start of the reconstruction of Gaza. This work will be carried out under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations.
Hamas said its delegation had approved mediators on the cease-fire agreement and the return of Israeli prisoners.
A Palestinian official, who did not want to be named, said that Hamas had given initial verbal approval to the proposal for a ceasefire and the return of prisoners. They are awaiting more information before giving final written approval.
In the face of pressure from all sides, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced last Saturday that a high-level delegation will be sent to finalize the hostage exchange and cease-fire agreement with Hamas.
Mossad Director David Barnia, Shin Bet Director Ron Barr, Defense Force (IDF) Hostage Rescue Major General (Ret.) Nitzan Alon, and Netanyahu’s Political Adviser Ofir Falk participated in the ceasefire talks in Qatar.