The Palestinian group Hamas and Israel have reached an agreement to implement a ceasefire and release hostages. The deal, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, is set to take effect on January 19.
Key Points of the Agreement
- Both Hamas and Israel confirmed the agreement, which will unfold in three stages.
- The first stage will last 42 days and include a ceasefire, prisoner exchanges, withdrawal of Israeli troops and evacuation of injured Palestinians. Details for subsequent stages will be finalized during this phase.
- Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinians. US President Joe Biden stated that American hostages will also be released during this phase.
- Humanitarian aid will be delivered to Gaza, with the restoration of medical facilities and construction of housing prioritized.
- The second stage involves a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and the end of hostilities, including the release of remaining hostages, including male Israeli soldiers.
- The third stage focuses on rebuilding Gaza.
- The ceasefire will be upheld throughout all three stages, with the agreement guaranteed by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, who will establish a monitoring mechanism in Cairo.
Reactions from Stakeholders
- Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the agreement a necessary step, while Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President-elect Donald Trump for his assistance.
- Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya hailed the agreement as a significant achievement for Gaza residents but reiterated the group's commitment to resisting Israel. He also thanked Russia, China, Turkey, and other nations for their support of the Palestinian cause.
- The agreement has been described by Hamas as a milestone toward Palestinian liberation.
Implementation Steps
- Israel’s Security Cabinet is set to convene on January 16 to approve the agreement.
- A meeting in Cairo on the same day will address the implementation of the deal in its entirety, according to a senior US administration official.
Global Reactions
- UN Secretary-General António Guterres welcomed the agreement and expressed readiness to support its implementation, including boosting humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan supported the deal, emphasizing Turkey’s commitment to aiding Gaza's reconstruction.
- The UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer highlighted the need for international efforts to ensure a better future for Israelis and Palestinians.
- French President Emmanuel Macron called the agreement a relief for Gaza’s residents and urged a political resolution to the conflict.
- UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini emphasized the immediate need for humanitarian aid.
- The Arab League’s Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit stressed the importance of maximizing humanitarian assistance to Gaza.
- The US State Department announced plans to increase the volume of aid to Gaza to 500 trucks daily.
- Countries including Jordan, South Africa, Venezuela, and Mexico welcomed the agreement, with hopes for lasting peace.
- The International Organization for Migration has committed to aiding Gaza’s reconstruction and providing humanitarian assistance to its residents.
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Based on TASS materials