Hamas Accepts Ceasefire, Israeli Forces to Withdraw from Gaza?

On Monday, May 7, 2024, Hamas accepted a proposal mediated by Qatar and Egypt. This could mark a potential breakthrough in the ongoing conflict, as reported by CNN.

The proposal, outlined in a document obtained from a reliable source by CNN, suggests a comprehensive plan aimed at de-escalating tensions and paving the way for sustainable peace in the city of Gaza and between the countries.

Phases of Hamas Ceasefire agreement

According to the document, the agreement will be implemented in three phases, each lasting 42 days.

Phase 1

The first phase suggests the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick, over the course of six weeks. In exchange, the Israeli forces will gradually withdraw from parts of Gaza, the reconnaissance flights will be halted for 10 hours daily and allowing disarmed Palestinians to move around freely throughout the Gaza strip.

Additionally, with the specific criteria outlined for the exchange process, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners are set to be released, CNN reported.

Notably, the agreement suggests that for every Israeli hostage released by Hamas, 30 Palestinian women and children, along with 30 Palestinian prisoners over the age of 50 years, for each hostage in the same age group will be released. Furthermore, female IDF soldiers are included in the 33 hostages, Israel agreed to release 50 Palestinian prisoners for every IDF woman soldier released, including 30 prisoners serving life sentences.

The humanitarian aspect of the agreement is emphasized by an enormous effort to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza. The aid also included makeshift shelters and home for the victims and restoration of vital infrastructure like hospitals and electric plant.

Phase 2

The second phase of the agreement is set to focus on achieving sustainable period of calm in Gaza, along with the release of remaining hostages, including civilian men and male IDF soldiers, after the first phase entails to build sustainable peace. While second phase details were not clearly mentioned in the agreement, it is supposed to build and progress upon the first phase, as reported by CNN.

Phase 3

The third and final phase of the agreement suggests a comprehensive plan for rebuilding Gaza, that could take around three to five years. This phase highlights the long-term commitment to rebuild the region and fostering stability and prosperity for the inhabitants in the coming future.

In the course of continued international efforts to mediate a ceasefire and smooth the agreement’s implementation; a delegation from Qatar is expected to continue indirect negotiations in Cairo. Following Hamas’s acceptance of the proposal from Egypt and Qatar, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterre has urged both the Israeli government and Hamas to reach an agreement on a ceasefire.

Reactions from people involved

Officials and stakeholder are feeling hopeful about the developments, with Qatar expressing hope for a speedy end to the conflict and a sustained supply of humanitarian goods to Gaza. Ayman Safadi, the minister of foreign affairs, Jordan, has also expressed similar views, highlighting the urgent need for a comprehensive agreement.

However, while the agreement met with celebrations in Gaza, hoping to put an end to nearly seven-month long conflict that killed at least 34,700 people. Israeli on the other hand had a completely different response. They have been less enthusiastic about the agreement, as they continued emphasizing their desire to attack Rafah in southern Gaza and to completely defeat Hamas. About 1,400 people were murdered in Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel, and another 250 were taken captive to Gaza. Of those held captive, about 100 are thought to be alive and in Gaza; the others were either murdered or released during the war.