The agreement between the Palestinian movement Hamas and Israel will officially take effect on Sunday, January 19, according to Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani.
During a press conference, Al Thani stated, “Qatar, Egypt, and the United States are pleased to announce the success of joint mediation efforts, which led to an agreement between the parties involved in the Gaza conflict. The agreement addresses the exchange of hostages, as well as the restoration of calm to establish a ceasefire.”
He further explained that all technical procedures will be finalized by tonight, following which the Israeli government will complete its internal processes. Implementation of the agreement will begin on January 19, with the specific timing to be announced later.
The first phase of the agreement will last 42 days, during which:
A ceasefire will be established.
Israeli forces will withdraw to eastern positions, away from civilian areas in Gaza, and will station troops along the enclave's borders.
A mechanism for the exchange of hostages will be implemented.
The details of the second and third phases will be finalized during the first phase.
In the initial phase, Hamas will release 33 hostages, including civilians, military personnel, women, children, elderly individuals, and injured persons. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinians from its prisons and detention centers.
Al Thani emphasized that both parties have accepted the terms of the agreement, with Qatar, Egypt and the United States providing guarantees to ensure its implementation.
A monitoring mechanism will be established in Cairo, involving working groups from the three mediating countries to oversee the execution of the deal.
“We expect both sides to adhere to the terms of the agreement. However, such documents are inherently complex, and challenges may arise. Nonetheless, we are determined to address them,” Al Thani noted.
The second phase of the agreement is expected to include a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and an official end to hostilities, with steps in the coming days aimed at reinforcing the agreement and ensuring its sustainability.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: official website of the President of the Russian Federation
Based on materials from TASS