Temporary Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Gaza by Four Countries: US and Israel Issue Joint Statement
Repeated statements are being made between Hamas and Israel regarding a ceasefire and mutual prisoner exchange in the Gaza Strip, which mediators are negotiating.
According to news published by the Arabic-language London-based Shark al-Awsat, a ceasefire is set to come into effect for 6 weeks in the first stage, as outlined in an agreement drafted between the parties in Paris.
In the initial phase of the ceasefire, approximately 35 Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip will be released, alongside the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli prisons.
Key issues such as the lists of prisoners to be exchanged, the withdrawal of the Israeli army from the north of Gaza, the return of Palestinians, and a definitive end to the war will be further discussed for the second and third phases of the agreement.
Israeli state television KAN reported that the Israeli army is prepared to pause hostilities and use this period to reinforce forces, supply, and prepare for potential operations in the north and south of Gaza.
Negotiations for the ceasefire are expected to result in an agreement in either Cairo or Doha in the coming days, with a potential implementation during Ramadan, as reported by Channel 12 television from Israel.
Furthermore, the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahranot stated that the Tel Aviv administration’s war cabinet has approved negotiation principles for the hostage exchange agreement with Hamas. If Hamas agrees to these principles, Israel is set to send a delegation to Qatar to continue negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also addressed the developments, mentioning that efforts are ongoing to reach a hostage agreement. He emphasized the need for Hamas to come to a reasonable position and hinted at potential military actions if an agreement is not reached.
According to White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, a temporary ceasefire agreement’s basic lines have been agreed upon by Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the USA. Negotiations are still ongoing, and indirect talks with Hamas will be needed.
Meanwhile, Hamas officials have expressed reservations about the ceasefire agreement, with concerns raised that Israel is attempting to turn the agreement into a prisoner exchange deal. Hamas remains committed to conditions such as the end of the war, withdrawal of the Israeli army from Gaza, lifting the blockade, and reconstruction of Gaza.
In the midst of negotiations, it is crucial to remember the devastating toll of the conflict, with tens of thousands of Palestinians killed and injured in Israel’s attacks on Gaza. The need for a lasting ceasefire and resolution to the conflict remains paramount.
