A few days before Donald Trump’s return to the White House, a comprehensive agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas to end the war in Gaza. First announced by sources close to the discussions, this agreement was confirmed a few hours later by the Qatari Prime Minister, Mohammed bin Abderrahmane al-Thani.
Here are the points of the agreement confirmed by the Qatari Prime Minister:
Release of hostages
The ceasefire will come into effect on Sunday January 19. The first phase, which will begin immediately after its entry into force and for 42 days, should see the release of 33 Israeli hostages over the next 42 days, while 250 Palestinian prisoners will be released from detention centers.
“Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives, including civilian women…, children, elderly people, sick and wounded civilians, in exchange for several prisoners held in Israeli prisons. Details regarding phases two and three will be finalized during the implementation of the first phase,” said the Prime Minister.
In total, the deal would see the release of around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, excluding elite Hamas prisoners, who will not be included in this first release.
Monitoring mechanism
Qatar, Egypt and the United States will monitor the implementation of the truce agreement via a monitoring mechanism established in Cairo.
“A monitoring mechanism will be set up, managed by Egypt, Qatar and the United States (the three mediator countries, editor’s note). Based in Cairo, this mechanism will involve a joint team from the three countries to monitor the implementation implementation of the agreement”, declared the Prime Minister.
“With the approval of the negotiating parties, work continues this evening to complete the executive aspects,” he added.
Humanitarian aid
The first phase will also include a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Up to 600 trucks per day would be allowed to deliver essential supplies to Gaza. As part of the agreement, the Israeli army will also withdraw from the Netzarim corridor.
Gazans will be able to return to the northern part of the Gaza Strip on the 22nd day of the implementation of the agreement. Additionally, the majority of Israeli forces will withdraw from the Philadelphia Corridor, marking another key step toward de-escalation.
The agreement includes a preliminary six-week truce, including a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
To ensure a smooth transition, a Qatari-Egyptian inspection force would be deployed, focusing on vehicle inspections at the crossing point into northern Gaza.
Second and third phases
The second phase of the agreement will begin on the 43rd day and last forty-two days, with a view to establishing lasting peace in the region.
“The details of the second and third stages after the completion of the first stage of the agreement,” the minister clarified.
