Finalized in Doha, Qatar, negotiations between Israel and Hamas have resulted in a significant agreement to initiate a ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza. However, procedural steps within the Israeli government have delayed the implementation, with a critical cabinet vote expected only on Saturday night. Israeli officials confirmed that this delay will likely postpone the start of the ceasefire and the initial release of hostages to Monday.
The agreement comes after complex discussions involving various representatives from Israel, Hamas, Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. U.S. officials, including President Joe Biden’s Middle East envoy, Brett McGurk, played a pivotal role in resolving last-minute disputes. Negotiators’ disagreements over the list of Palestinian prisoners for release temporarily stalled the process. Hamas pushed for the inclusion of high-ranking military leaders. However, Israel vetoed the request, leading to a revised agreement.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has prepared the relevant government ministries for the hostages’ release. Meanwhile, opposition from within Netanyahu’s coalition government, particularly from ultranationalist leaders, has added internal political tension, with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir having voiced strong objections to the deal, and Ben Gvir threatening to resign if the agreement is approved. Netanyahu’s Likud party has publicly criticized Ben Gvir’s stance, accusing him of undermining the government.
Under the terms of the agreement, the ceasefire will last six weeks, with the gradual release of 33 hostages in the initial phase. These include women, children, and men either over 50 or in poor health. Simultaneously, Israel will release over 700 Palestinian prisoners, including individuals serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis. Additionally, Israel will release 1,000 Palestinians who were detained during the recent conflict.
During the ceasefire, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) will withdraw to a buffer zone near Gaza’s border. Northern Gaza will be reopened for displaced Palestinians, with strict security measures for vehicles. The agreement also facilitates the delivery of humanitarian aid, including 600 daily aid trucks, 50 of which will carry fuel. Temporary housing for displaced Palestinians will be provided in the form of tents and mobile homes.
Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., acting as guarantors, will closely monitor the agreement’s implementation. Negotiations for a second phase, including the release of remaining hostages and discussions of a permanent ceasefire, are scheduled to begin midway through the ceasefire period.
