The recent ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel has raised hopes for a temporary end to the ongoing conflict, marking the second such pause since October 2023.
This new deal involves a series of phases aimed at reducing hostilities, facilitating hostage and prisoner releases, and providing humanitarian aid.
While the first phase is already underway and yet unsure, the specifics of the subsequent phases are still to be negotiated. With the involvement of international parties to ensure compliance, the agreement aims to bring some relief to the devastated region. Here are 7 facts to know about the Hamas-Israel ceasefire and hostage release deal:
- A New Ceasefire Agreement
The deal reached between Hamas and Israel on Wednesday includes a pause in the ongoing war, marking the second ceasefire since October 2023. This new agreement is structured in three phases, with the first phase beginning Sunday and lasting six weeks. - Hostage and Prisoner Releases
The deal involves the release of both Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. A total of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, will be released during the first phase. US hostages will also be freed in this phase. - Details of the First Phase
The first phase will feature a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza’s population centres, and an exchange of hostages and prisoners. Additionally, humanitarian aid will be allowed into Gaza, and Palestinians will be able to return home. Hospitals and bakeries in Gaza will undergo repairs. - Hamas and Israel’s Hostage Release Timeline
In the first phase, three female Israeli civilian hostages will be released on the first day, followed by four more on the seventh day. Subsequent releases will include three Israeli detainees every seven days, with the full release of all remaining hostages by the sixth week. - The Prisoner Exchange
In return for the hostages, Israel will release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners arrested after the October 8, 2023 attack, but not involved in the assault. The exchange will also include 110 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences swapped for nine injured Israeli hostages. - Negotiations for Phases Two and Three
The second and third phases of the deal will be negotiated during the first phase. These phases could include further hostage releases, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and a major reconstruction plan for the region. - Enforcement of the Ceasefire
The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have established a monitoring mechanism to ensure the ceasefire is enforced. A joint team from these countries will oversee the deal’s implementation from Cairo to prevent any violations.
(CNN)
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