ISRAEL: Negotiators have finalized a phased agreement to halt the devastating war in Gaza, an official familiar with the discussions revealed on Wednesday. The conflict, which spanned 15 months, has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians and left the region grappling with intense instability. While the deal has not yet been publicly confirmed, its framework aims to achieve a lasting peace and includes multiple phases addressing ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, and long-term rebuilding.
The first phase of the agreement entails a six-week ceasefire during which Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from the Gaza Strip. As part of this arrangement, Hamas will release 33 hostages, prioritizing women, children, and men over 50, while Israel will reciprocate by freeing Palestinian prisoners. The terms aim to de-escalate immediate hostilities while creating room for further negotiations to tackle unresolved issues between the two parties.
By the sixteenth day of the initial phase, negotiations for the second phase will commence. This phase focuses on the release of all remaining hostages, the establishment of a permanent ceasefire, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. These discussions will aim to solidify peace by addressing core issues and ensuring commitments are upheld by both sides to avoid a return to violence.
The third phase is expected to pave the way for Gaza’s reconstruction. This will involve the return of deceased individuals to their families and the coordinated rebuilding of Gaza under the supervision of Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations. These measures mark a significant step towards recovery and hope for a region that has endured immense suffering. The agreement is the result of extensive mediation by Egypt and Qatar, with strong backing from the United States, just before the inauguration of President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
