Jerusalem, Jan 16: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu indicated that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas remains incomplete, and that final adjustments are still being made.
Netanyahu’s remarks followed the announcement from the United States and Qatar regarding the deal, which aims to halt the 15-month conflict in Gaza and facilitate the return of numerous hostages. The ongoing conflict has caused significant instability in the Middle East, leading to global protests.
Upon the announcement, large groups of jubilant Palestinians gathered in Gaza, celebrating with cheers and car horns.
“No one can understand the emotion we are feeling right now; it’s truly indescribable,” expressed Mahmoud Wadi in Deir al-Balah, a central area of Gaza, while joining the enthusiastic crowd.
The war between Israel and Hamas has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian casualties in Gaza, as reported by local health officials. The Health Ministry does not differentiate between combatants and civilians, but states that women and children comprise over half of the casualties.
This conflict initiated on October 7, 2023, when militants entered southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the abduction of roughly 250 others. It is believed that one-third of the approximately 100 hostages still in Gaza are likely deceased.
Netanyahu has not clearly stated his acceptance of the deal revealed earlier by Qatar’s prime minister in conjunction with President Joe Biden.
In his statement, Netanyahu mentioned he would provide a formal response only “after the final particulars of the agreement, which are currently being finalized, are completed.”
What does the ceasefire and hostage agreement entail?
Here are the key points of the Gaza ceasefire and hostage agreement, which mediators claim has been established. Any agreement still requires approval from Israel’s Cabinet, which consists of three phases.
Phase one, commencing on Sunday according to mediator Qatar, involves a six-week cessation of hostilities and the initiation of discussions aimed at concluding the war. Over this period, thirty-three of the nearly 100 hostages are expected to be released, although their current status remains unclear. This group includes women, elderly individuals, and the injured.
The United States, acting as a mediator, states that this initial phase also includes the withdrawal of Israeli troops from heavily populated areas of Gaza, enabling many displaced Palestinians to return home. Humanitarian aid would increase significantly, with hundreds of trucks entering Gaza daily. Final aspects still being negotiated include the list of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
Phase two is anticipated to be more challenging.
Negotiations for this second phase are set to commence on the 16th day of the ceasefire. It would involve the release of all remaining live hostages, including male soldiers, and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. However, Israel has stated it will not agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamas’ military and political capabilities are neutralized. Concurrently, Hamas has indicated that it will not release the last hostages until all Israeli forces are withdrawn.
Phase three calls for the return of the remains of the remaining hostages and the initiation of a significant reconstruction effort for Gaza, which has suffered extensive devastation and is expected to face years of rebuilding. (AGENCIES)
