Israel January 18, 2025: The Israeli cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, bringing a significant pause to the 15-month-long conflict in Gaza. This truce, set to begin on Sunday, January 19, will mark the first phase of a six-week halt in fighting, following months of intense negotiations.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, despite opposition from some far-right members, agreed to the deal after a high-level meeting. The agreement was brokered by key negotiators Qatar and Egypt, with strong involvement from U.S. officials. The ceasefire aims to end the war that erupted after Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Key Details of the Ceasefire Agreement
The first phase of the ceasefire will last for 42 days. During this time, 33 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas will be released. According to Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani, the hostages will include civilian women, children, elderly individuals, as well as ill and wounded civilians. Three Israeli women soldiers are expected to be released first, though Hamas refers to all Israeli citizens of military age as soldiers.
In exchange for the hostages, Israel has agreed to release 737 prisoners and detainees, including men, women, and children. These individuals will be freed under the terms of the first phase of the deal. However, Israel has specified that no releases will take place before 4 pm local time on Sunday.
Release points have been established at three locations: Kerem Shalom, Erez, and Reim. Hostages will be transferred to these points, where they will undergo medical evaluations by doctors and mental health specialists before being transported to hospitals in Israel.
During the initial 42 days, Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas in Gaza to facilitate the swap of prisoners and the return of displaced Palestinian civilians. The Israeli military, however, has outlined a “revised defensive plan” to bolster defensive measures along the Gaza Strip border. Although Israeli troops will step back from specific areas, residents will not be permitted to return to areas where Israeli forces are still stationed or to those near the Israel-Gaza border.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, Israel will maintain a buffer zone within Gaza throughout the first phase, staying 800 meters inside Gaza from Rafah in the south to Beit Hanun in the north. Israeli forces will not fully withdraw from Gaza until all hostages are safely returned, but displaced Palestinians will be able to return via an electronic checkpoint.
Phase Two and Beyond
Negotiations for the second phase of the ceasefire will begin on the 16th day of the first phase, according to an Israeli official. The mediating countries—Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—will closely monitor the progress of the truce through a body based in Cairo.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed has expressed hope that this ceasefire agreement will bring an end to the war, noting that there is a clear mechanism to negotiate subsequent phases. U.S. President Joe Biden has emphasized that the second phase will aim for a permanent end to the conflict, with the release of the remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
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