Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Explained: The Three Phases of Negotiations and Their Impact on Gaza's Future (X/ @TimesAlgebraIND)
World News: The outgoing US President Joe Biden announced a significant breakthrough on Wednesday regarding a ceasefire-for-hostages agreement between Israel and Hamas, marking the end of more than 15 months of intense conflict. This deal, which has been in negotiation for several months, is structured into three distinct phases: a complete ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including American citizens.
In his farewell address from the Oval Office, Biden emphasized that the final agreement closely resembles a proposal he put forward in May. He acknowledged the role of his successor Donald Trump's envoy in facilitating this deal. "This plan was developed and negotiated by my team and will be largely implemented by the incoming administration," Biden stated, ensuring that his team kept the new administration informed throughout the process.
The first phase of the agreement is set to last six weeks and will initiate with "a full and complete ceasefire." During this period, a number of hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. While Biden did not specify the exact number of hostages to be released, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani indicated that 33 hostages would be part of this exchange.
According to reports, three hostages will be released immediately, with subsequent releases occurring over six weeks.Biden elaborated that during these initial six weeks, Israeli forces would withdraw from all populated areas of Gaza, allowing Palestinians to return to their neighborhoods. He stated that the ceasefire would remain in effect as long as negotiations are ongoing, coupled with an increase in humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza.
The second phase aims for a permanent resolution to the conflict, involving the release of remaining hostages in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners. In this phase, all Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza, solidifying a transition from a temporary ceasefire to a lasting peace.
The final phase will focus on the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of any deceased hostages' remains to their families. "And finally Phase 3 -- any final remains of hostages who have been killed will be returned to their families and a major reconstruction plan for Gaza will begin," Biden explained.Reflecting on the arduous nature of these negotiations, Biden remarked, "Those who have followed the negotiations can attest that the road to this deal has not been easy." He highlighted that this was one of his most challenging diplomatic endeavors yet and credited US pressure on Hamas as pivotal in reaching this agreement.
This ceasefire-for-hostages deal represents a critical step towards peace in the region, aiming to alleviate humanitarian crises while addressing longstanding grievances between Israel and Palestine.
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