Israel and Hamas have agreed to a deal that will pause fighting in Gaza and lead to the phased release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners.
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed that implementation of the temporary ceasefire will start on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Al Thani laid out the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release agreement at a news conference in Doha.
He revealed that the first phase of the agreement will last for 42 days and include a ceasefire, the withdrawal of the Israeli forces from densely populated areas, the exchange of hostages and prisoners, the exchange of dead bodies and the return of displaced Gazans to their homes.
Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, including civilian and female soldiers, children, the elderly and the sick in exchange for an undisclosed number of Palestinian prisoners.
Gaza’s wounded will be allowed to leave the enclave to receive treatment, while aid will be allowed into the Strip with hospitals and bakeries undergoing repairs.
He stated that details for the potential second and third phases will be agreed upon during the first phase.
Al Thani revealed that mediators spent 411 days to finalize the agreement.
As he officially announced the deal between Israel and Hamas, US President Joe Biden said that talks will go beyond the temporary ceasefire to a phase two of the deal that could include “a permanent end of the war.”
US President Joe Biden confirmed in remarks at the White House that Americans would be among those released during the first phase.
Negotiations to reach the second phase – which is intended to end the war – would begin on the 16th day of the implementation of the deal.
Mediators in ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas will form a “follow-up mechanism” in Egypt through which violations to the agreement could be reported.
“We expect that the parties will adhere to the agreement and stay committed… but we know that these kind of agreements are very complex and will have some issues down the line.”
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
When asked by a reporter how the mediators could guarantee that the agreement does not fall apart, the Qatari Prime Minister remarked that it has “clear mechanisms for implementation,” including what would happen in the first 42 days and “a clear mechanism to negotiate phase 2 and 3.”
“We call for calm from today until the agreement is implemented. The parties decided the agreement requires several days until it’s implemented properly… We hope that within these days there will be no military operations or attacks.”
Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani
Meanwhile, Hamas said that reaching an agreement on the Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal marks “a crucial turning point” in its “struggle against the enemy.”
“The agreement to stop the aggression against Gaza is an achievement for our people, our resistance, our nation, and the free people of the world. It marks a crucial turning point in the struggle against the enemy, on the path to achieving our people’s goals of liberation and return.”
Hamas
Hamas thanked the mediators “who made great efforts to reach this agreement, especially Qatar and Egypt.”
On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said that the Prime Minister would address the public only after the deal is “sealed and complete.”
A senior Israeli official told a news agency on Monday that the deal must first pass both the security cabinet and full government cabinet.
The official added that the government must also allow time for opponents of the agreement to petition the Supreme Court.
Ceasefire Deal Welcomed
UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres welcomed the announcement of the ceasefire-for-hostages deal.
He commended mediators Qatar, Egypt and the United States for “their dedicated efforts in brokering this deal.”
He called on all parties to uphold commitments and fully implement the deal, and said the UN was ready to support the deal’s implementation.
He said the ceasefire must remove obstacles to delivering aid to Gaza amid the “catastrophic” humanitarian situation in the enclave. “This deal is a critical first step,” he said.
Also, the families of hostages held in Gaza welcomed news of an agreement that will free 33 hostages from Gaza “with overwhelming joy and relief.”
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum said in a statement, “We wish to express our profound gratitude to President-elect Trump, President Biden, both administrations, and the international mediators for making this possible.”
The families noted that since November 2023, they have been anxiously awaiting this moment, and “now, after over 460 days of our family members being held in Hamas tunnels, we are closer than ever to reuniting with our loved ones.”
“This is a significant step forward that brings us closer to seeing all hostages return – the living to rehabilitation, and the deceased for proper burial. However, deep anxiety and concerns accompany us regarding the possibility that the agreement might not be fully implemented, leaving hostages behind.
“We urgently call for swift arrangements to ensure all phases of the deal are carried out. We will not rest until we see the last hostage back home.”
Hostages and Missing Families Forum
READ ALSO: Murtala Eulogizes President Mahama’s Commitment to Restore Peace in Bawku
