Jerusalem: After months of conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a agreement to halt hostilities in Gaza. Israel’s Cabinet approved a six-week ceasefire deal early on Saturday after more than six hours of deliberations. The deal, brokered by Qatar and US, includes a phased plan to release hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel. The ceasefire will begin on Sunday.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed the deal, emphasizing its importance and the need for swift implementation. The first phase will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children and men over 50, in exchange for Palestinian women and children under 19 held in Israeli prisons. Both sides hope the agreement will reduce hostilities and provide much-needed humanitarian relief to Gaza’s residents, who have endured severe destruction and displacement, as reported by The Associated Press.
Key highlights of deal
- Hamas has agreed to release 33 Israeli hostages, including women and children, while Israel will free Palestinian detainees, focusing on women and minors under the age of 19.
- During the ceasefire, Gaza will receive a surge in humanitarian aid. Trucks carrying supplies are already lined up at the Rafah border crossing, awaiting the truce’s official start.
- Israel’s prison services will handle the transportation of Palestinian prisoners instead of the International Committee of the Red Cross. This measure is aimed at avoiding public celebrations.
- Israeli forces will withdraw from specific areas in Gaza as part of the ceasefire, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes. However, they will maintain control over regions near the border.
- Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu instructed a dedicated task force to prepare for the return of Israeli hostages. Families of the captives have been informed about the deal, bringing some relief after months of uncertainty.
- Delegations from Israel and Hamas met in Cairo to discuss reopening the Rafah crossing, which is critical for the movement of aid and supplies into Gaza.
- The 15-month war has left over 46,000 Palestinians dead and displaced millions. Local health officials report that women and children constitute more than half of the fatalities.
