According to the terms of the ceasefire deal struck between Israel and Hamas, the Rafah border gate, which is crucial for humanitarian aid entering Gaza, is set to reopen on Saturday, February 3, following a fourth round of hostage and prisoner exchanges. As part of a deal that allows for the evacuation of wounded Palestinians and the transit of individuals seeking medical treatment, the European Union started providing monitoring assistance on January 19.
The International Red Cross will take fifteen additional Israeli captives, including Yarden Bibas, Ofer Kalderon, and Keith Siegel, as part of the ongoing ceasefire. In exchange, Israel has promised the release of ninety Palestinian prisoners, including some serving life sentences. As per the deal, Israeli soldiers would continue to withdraw from densely populated parts of Gaza; nevertheless, during the first phase of the ceasefire, a buffer zone will be upheld.
With the support of international mediators like the EU and Qatar, the sensitive peace process has advanced significantly, which is encouraging news for the future of negotiations and the delivery of humanitarian supplies.
