As the ceasefire in Gaza takes effect tomorrow, there is cautious optimism for a respite in the year-long conflict that has claimed thousands of lives. The agreement includes a significant prisoner exchange and marks the first phase of a carefully mediated peace effort. Here are the main details of the deal and its implications.
The ceasefire agreement: A step toward peace
The Israeli cabinet has approved a ceasefire deal with Hamas, a key player in the Palestinian resistance, following months of intense conflict. This truce is set to last six weeks and promises a “complete ceasefire,” according to U.S. President Joe Biden, who confirmed the development on Thursday.
The announcement has been met with relief and hope, especially among millions displaced by the violence and those anxiously awaiting the return of their loved ones. The ceasefire will officially begin at 6:30 a.m. GMT on Sunday, as confirmed by Qatar’s foreign ministry spokesperson. Qatar played a pivotal role in mediating the agreement.
Prisoners to be released by Israel
Israel’s Justice Ministry has announced that 737 detainees will be released in the initial phase of the deal. The group includes men, women, and children, and their release is scheduled no earlier than 4:00 p.m. local time (2:00 p.m. GMT) on Sunday.
Among the high-profile names is Zakaria Zubeidi, the former head of the armed wing of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah party. Zubeidi is widely regarded as a hero among Palestinians. Khalida Jarrar, a prominent leftist lawmaker and member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, is also on the list. The group is designated as a terrorist organization by Israel, the United States, and the European Union.
However, the final number of prisoners to be released depends on the number of hostages freed by Hamas, as clarified by an Israeli government spokesperson.
Hostages set to return from Gaza
In the first phase, 33 hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack will be freed. The attack resulted in 251 individuals being kidnapped, with the Israeli military estimating that 34 of them are dead and 94 remain in Gaza. Among those to be released are at least three Israeli women soldiers, though some may also be civilians kidnapped during the October incident. Hamas considers all Israelis of military age with prior service as soldiers.
The list of hostages to be freed includes Liri Albag, Itzhak Elgarat, Karina Ariev, Ohad Ben Ami, Ariel Bibas, Yarden Bibas, Kfir Bibas, Shiri Bibas, Agam Berger, Gonen Romi, Daniella Gilboa, Emily Damari, Sagui Dekel Chen, Iair Horn, Omer Wenkert, Alexandre Sasha Troufanov, Arbel Yehoud, Ohad Yahalomi, Eliya Cohen, Or Levy, Naama Levy, Oded Lifshitz, Gadi Moshe Mozes, Avraham (Avera) Mengisto, Shlomo Mantzur, Keith Samuel Sigal, Tsachi Idan, Ofer Kalderon, Tal Shoham, Doron Steinbrecher, Omer Shem Tov, Hisham Al-Sayed, and Eli Sharabi.
Broader implications of the truce
This ceasefire represents a critical juncture in the Gaza conflict, bringing a glimmer of hope to a region marred by violence. While the release of hostages and prisoners is a significant milestone, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain. With international mediation continuing and millions still displaced, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this ceasefire can pave the way for sustained resolution.
As the world watches, the humanitarian and political stakes could not be higher.
