Hamas and Israel Formally Agree to Ceasefire and Prisoner Exchange Deal
In a significant political development, an official agreement has been reached between Hamas and Israel, marking a potential turning point in the conflict. The deal, mediated through international channels, outlines a structured path toward de-escalation.
Core Terms of the Agreement
The agreement commits both parties to a complete cessation of military operations, contingent upon the release of all detainees. This will initiate a transitional phase in the Gaza Strip. A key stipulation is that the process of releasing the detainees will be conducted without formal ceremonies or media coverage to prevent any political or propaganda exploitation.
International Oversight and Hamas Obligations
Supervision of the accord has been entrusted to an international team comprising representatives from the United States, Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and other nations agreed upon by the parties. The verification process will be based on the principle of “trust and verification.”
Furthermore, Hamas is obligated to provide, within 72 hours of the deal’s implementation, all available information regarding casualties to a special international mechanism. This mechanism is set to be formed with the participation of Qatar, Egypt, Turkey, and potentially the International Committee of the Red Cross.
US Role and Israeli Cabinet Approval
The U.S. administration played a pivotal role in the negotiations. Following an emergency cabinet session that concluded early Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu formally approved the proposal for the release of Palestinian prisoners. He acknowledged the critical assistance from the American President and his team, stating, “Without the special help of the U.S. President and his team, we would not have reached this point.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu specifically thanked U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Wittkauf and Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former President Donald Trump. He described the moment as a “fateful development,” asserting that one of the war’s primary goals—the return of all detainees—would be realized.
A Milestone in the “Deal of the Century”
Informed sources close to the negotiations have indicated that this agreement represents the most crucial component of the first phase of the so-called “Deal of the Century” plan. Supplementary annexes have been prepared to guarantee its full implementation. White House officials have expressed hope that the Israeli army will completely withdraw from Gaza in subsequent phases.
U.S. Envoy Steve Wittkauf praised the diplomatic breakthrough, highlighting “Prime Minister Netanyahu’s courage in making difficult decisions as a main factor in reaching this agreement.”
Implementation Timeline
The indirect talks between Palestinian and Israeli delegations began in Egypt’s Sharm El-Sheikh earlier this week. More details regarding the specific timeline for the ceasefire and the international monitoring mechanisms are expected to be released in the coming hours. The agreement was officially announced by the Hamas movement in a statement and has since come into effect.