Israel-Gaza Ceasefire – What’s Inside Agreement?

Web Desk — Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, signaling a potential end to Israel’s devastating 15-month campaign that resulted in the deaths of at least 46,707 Palestinians.

Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani announced the agreement during a press conference in Doha, confirming it will take effect on January 19. The deal was mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with additional pressure applied by the incoming U.S. administration of President-elect Donald Trump, as reported by Haaretz. Trump hailed the ceasefire as a significant achievement, crediting his return to the White House for its success.

The agreement includes provisions for prisoner exchanges, the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes in the north, and the evacuation of wounded Palestinian civilians and combatants to Egypt via the Rafah crossing.

Highlights of the Agreement:

1. Implementation Framework:

• Preparations for a second stage to finalize the May 27, 2024, agreement on hostages and prisoners.
• Negotiations for stage two will continue under the supervision of mediators to ensure a permanent ceasefire.

2. Israeli Forces Withdrawal:

• Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas near the Gaza border, maintaining a perimeter of 700 meters with specific exceptions.
• The withdrawal will align with maps agreed upon by both parties.

3. Prisoner Exchange:

• Nine critically ill and wounded hostages will be exchanged for 110 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.
• Israel will release 1,000 detainees from Gaza arrested post-October 8, 2023.
• Elderly hostages and others will be exchanged according to a ratio-based system detailed in the agreement.
• Specific high-profile prisoners will be exchanged, including international relocation for some detainees.

4. Philadelphi Corridor:

• Gradual reduction of Israeli forces in this area, with full withdrawal set for 50 days after the last hostage release.

5. Rafah Crossing:

• Prepared for transferring civilians and wounded individuals once all women prisoners are released.
• Daily transfer of 50 wounded individuals accompanied by three others, subject to approval from Israel and Egypt.

6. Exit of Ill and Wounded Civilians:

• Provisions for wounded Palestinians to cross the Rafah border, adhering to prior agreements.

7. Return of Displaced Civilians:

• Internally displaced people can return unarmed to the north, initially on foot and later with inspected vehicles.

8. Humanitarian Aid:

• Aid will be distributed under a humanitarian protocol supervised by mediators, ensuring compliance with agreed mechanisms.

The agreement reflects extensive negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and U.S. representatives, with guarantees provided by these mediators. It aims to address humanitarian needs while laying the groundwork for sustained peace in the region.