The world anticipates the announcement of a historic Gaza ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, aiming to end over 466 days of conflict in the Palestinian enclave.
Key elements of the proposed agreement include a phased implementation plan and long-term measures for Gaza’s future stability.
Israeli Government Approval Process: The draft agreement will be submitted to Israel’s Security Cabinet, the broader government, and potentially the Knesset for approval. If approved, the Justice Ministry and prison authorities will release the list of Palestinian prisoners eligible for release. Objections may be raised with the Supreme Court, although such appeals are typically denied. Israeli President Isaac Herzog will pardon Palestinian prisoners with life or long-term sentences as required. Releases will occur in stages.
Phases of the Agreement:
Phase 1: Humanitarian Measures (42 days)
- Focuses on the release of 33 Israeli captives, including women, the elderly, and the ill.
- Israeli military to withdraw from several areas in Gaza.
- For each Israeli soldier released, 50 Palestinian detainees will be freed, including those serving life sentences.
- For each civilian released, 30 Palestinian detainees, including minors and those with medical conditions, will be freed.
Phase 2: Broader Negotiations
- Starts on day 16, focusing on a comprehensive deal for the release of remaining Israeli hostages.
- Negotiations to conclude by the end of the fifth week of Phase 1.
Phase 3: Reconstruction and Stability
- Focuses on rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and establishing sustained peace.
Ceasefire Details:
- Ceasefire begins on the first day of the agreement.
- Israeli forces will withdraw from Palestinian residential areas and reduce military operations.
- A gradual withdrawal from Gaza will include key areas like the Netzarim and Philadelphi Corridors.
Prisoner Exchange:
- For every Israeli civilian released, 30 Palestinian prisoners will be freed.
- For each Israeli soldier released, 50 Palestinian detainees, including those serving life sentences, will be freed.
- 47 Palestinian prisoners rearrested after the 2011 deal will be released.
- Prisoners serving life sentences cannot return to the West Bank.
Israeli Hostages:
- The deal covers the release of all 98 Israeli captives held by Hamas.
- Focus initially on humanitarian cases; soldiers and remains will follow in subsequent phases.
Humanitarian Aid to Gaza:
- From day one, 600 trucks of aid, including 50 fuel trucks, will enter Gaza daily.
- Distribution overseen by the UN and international organizations.
Return of Displaced Palestinians and Reconstruction:
- Displaced Palestinians can return to their homes in northern Gaza from day one.
- Reconstruction efforts will focus on essential infrastructure, housing, and civilian buildings.
Guarantors:
- Qatar, Egypt, and the US will oversee the agreement, following intensive negotiations.
Despite the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in over 46,600 deaths, including many women and children, a UN Security Council resolution has called for an immediate ceasefire. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, and Israel faces genocide charges at the International Court of Justice.
