Hamas Releases Key Points of Gaza Ceasefire Agreement

Gaza Ceasefire: Hamas Outlines Key Steps Towards Peace
A fragile peace takes hold in Gaza as Hamas, via its official website, revealed key details of the ceasefire agreement on Thursday, January 23rd. This agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, outlines a phased approach to de-escalation and prisoner exchange, offering a glimmer of hope for a lasting resolution to the conflict.
The first phase, a 42-day ceasefire, commenced last Sunday and focuses on immediate steps to ease tensions and facilitate the return of displaced persons. Hamas has stipulated that on the seventh day of the agreement (January 25th, 2025), following the completion of a prisoner exchange and the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) withdrawal from the Al-Rasheed coastal road area, internally displaced persons will be permitted to return north on foot. This return will be unarmed and without inspection via Al-Rasheed Street, ensuring free movement between southern and northern Gaza.
Furthermore, vehicles of all types will be allowed to return north of the Netsarim junction after inspection. On the 22nd day of the ceasefire, internally displaced persons will be allowed to return north via Salah al-Din Street, also without inspection. These measures aim to restore a sense of normalcy for Gazan civilians impacted by the recent conflict.
The prisoner exchange is a critical component of the ceasefire agreement. Israeli media outlets, including the Jerusalem Post and Yedioth Ahronoth, reported that Israel expects to receive the names of three female soldiers and one female civilian held captive by Hamas in Gaza. These individuals are expected to be released on Saturday, marking a significant step towards rebuilding trust between the two sides. Yedioth Ahronoth further reported that the four female captives are expected to be handed over to the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Saturday afternoon, who will then transfer them to the IDF. One of the civilians expected to be released is Arbil Yehud.
Simultaneously, Israel anticipates receiving a comprehensive list from Hamas detailing the remaining 33 prisoners, both living and deceased, to be released in the first phase of the exchange. Israeli estimates suggest that at least 25 of these 33 individuals are still alive. This exchange follows the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners by Israel earlier this week, all from the occupied West Bank, including Jerusalem, in exchange for the release of three Israeli female captives. This initial exchange signifies a commitment to the ceasefire and lays the groundwork for further negotiations.
The subsequent phases of the ceasefire agreement will involve further negotiations to address the underlying issues fueling the conflict. While the details of these phases remain to be determined, the current ceasefire and prisoner exchange represent a crucial first step towards a more sustainable peace in Gaza. The international community, including the mediating parties, will play a vital role in supporting these ongoing negotiations and ensuring the agreement’s successful implementation. The hope remains that this fragile peace can be nurtured and developed into a lasting resolution, bringing much-needed stability and security to the region. Resources like the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) https://www.unrwa.org/ continue to provide vital humanitarian assistance to those affected by the conflict. The international community must continue to support these efforts and work towards a just and lasting peace for all.