Ending an extended fighting of 15 months in Gaza that caused severe destruction, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release by main international mediators such as Qatar, the United States, and Egypt. This large-scale deal was announced when thousands of people were killed, and Gaza has been destroyed. But, as distinguished from an official ceasefire agreement, Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, pointed out that what had emerged was a framework of continuing negotiations, and the “final touch” is still being discussed.
Thus, the ceasefire agreement will be signed in three different stages: the first stage of the ceasefire will begin on Sunday, January 19, 2025. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani, said this phase is likely to take six weeks. It is quite common for a total ceasefire during this time, and the Israeli forces will have to pull out from built-up places in Gaza. One crucial ingredient of the process of implementing phase one is the freeing of hostages, women, elder people, the injured, and children.
In return for the hostages being held by Hamas, Israel will release “hundreds” of Palestinians. The first phase will also help the Palestinians to go back to their homes in all the areas of Gaza. Unfortunately, humanitarian assistance will noticeably increase during this phase, while civilians will get food, medicine, water, and other essentials necessary for living.
US President Joe Biden further elaborated on these details in a press conference he addressed after the statement; he also wished that the ceasefire would put an end to the fighting. He said all the signs of the agreement have to be followed by all parties and stressed the necessity of humanitarian aid for the Gaza civilians.
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