As the world anxiously waited for the ceasefire between Hamas and Israel to begin, the clock ticked down to the historic moment set for Sunday at 8:30 am local time. Families of hostages held in Gaza held their breath, hoping for news of their loved ones, while Palestinians braced themselves to welcome back released detainees. Humanitarian groups hurriedly prepared to deliver much-needed aid to the war-torn region.
In an overnight move that surprised many, Israel’s Cabinet approved the ceasefire during the Jewish Sabbath, igniting a whirlwind of emotions and activities. The first question on everyone’s mind was the fate of the hostages – would they return alive or in body bags? Names of the hostages earmarked for freedom were expected to be announced imminently.
This ceasefire, marking a pause after 15 months of conflict, signals a crucial step towards ending one of the deadliest and most destructive confrontations between Israel and Hamas. It arrives more than a year after the only other ceasefire, bearing the hope of lasting peace and stability. The road ahead is not without challenges, with negotiations for the next phase scheduled to commence in just over two weeks.
Here are the key components of the ceasefire plan and what we can expect in the days to come:
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Release of Hostages and Prisoners:
- In the initial phase, 33 hostages in Gaza will be freed over six weeks in exchange for 737 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
- The exchange is set to start promptly at 4 pm on Sunday, with the release of three female hostages on the first day, followed by a structured release plan over the subsequent weeks.
- Additionally, 1,167 Gaza residents who were not involved in the conflict’s instigation will also be liberated. Those detained women and children under 19 will be amongst those freed in this phase.
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Territorial Changes and Buffer Zone:
- Israeli forces will withdraw to create a buffer zone approximately a kilometer wide inside Gaza along its borders with Israel. This pullback aims to allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, even in heavily damaged areas like Gaza City and the northern region.
- Humanitarian Aid and Assistance:
- With the ceasefire in place, a surge of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, is expected to flow into Gaza. Trucks were already lined up at the Rafah border crossing, ready for the delivery of essential provisions.
- Egyptian government ministers arrived in the northern Sinai Peninsula to oversee aid distribution through both the Rafah and Kerem Shalom crossings, along with facilitating the evacuation of wounded individuals.
Despite the glimmer of hope this ceasefire brings, tensions and uncertainty linger. The remaining hostages, including male soldiers, still await their freedom, pending a lasting ceasefire agreement. Hamas stands firm on its commitment to release all captives only in the presence of a comprehensive accord and a complete Israeli withdrawal.
As we stand on the precipice of change, the world watches, holding its breath, waiting to see if this ceasefire will be a turning point towards peace or merely a temporary respite. The future of the region hangs in the balance, and the decisions made in the coming days will shape the path ahead for generations to come.
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