The ceasefire has come into effect in Gaza following intense negotiations to alleviate humanitarian distress and foster a moment of relief in the region. As part of this agreement, Hamas has presented the names of three Israeli hostages who are expected to be released today, marking a pivotal step towards reducing tensions and restoring some semblance of normalcy.
The hostages set to be freed are identified as Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari. This announcement comes from Hamas itself, illuminating specific details of an agreement that has been long awaited by anxious families and officials in Israel alike.
In a statement, the Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed receiving the official list of hostages slated for release. Israeli security personnel are currently engaged in verifying the particulars associated with this critical development. The verification process is essential, ensuring that all necessary details are meticulously checked before the release transpires.
Moreover, in a bid to keep families informed, the Israeli military is actively notifying the loved ones of the hostages. This communication aims to ease the anxiety that has enveloped the families following the prolonged uncertainty surrounding the fate of their kin.
The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire agreement. The hope remains that this development can pave the way for further negotiations and a broader cessation of hostilities. As families await the eventual return of their loved ones, the call for ongoing dialogue and peace becomes ever more crucial.
Here’s what we know about the agreement.
Phase one: Some 94 of the roughly 250 people taken hostage on 7 October remain in Hamas custody in Gaza, according to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the families of those who were seized.
In the first stage of the ceasefire deal, 33 hostages are to be freed over the course of six weeks.
These include women (including female soldiers), children and men over the age of 50.
It was previously reported that Israel believes most of these hostages are alive.
At least three hostages will be released each week. The plan says three hostages will be returned on day one, four on day seven and the remaining 26 over the following five weeks.
In return for the release of the captives, Israel will free 737 Palestinian prisoners during the first phase.
Also to be released are 1,167 Palestinians detained in Gaza since the start of the war and held in Israel.
Israel has said 30 Palestinian prisoners would be released for each female hostage on Sunday.
Among the roughly 250 people abducted in Israel on 7 October, some have died in captivity in Gaza, while others have been released or rescued.
The first phase will also include Israeli troops pulling back into a buffer zone about 0.6 miles wide inside Gaza, along its borders with Israel.
That will allow many displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, including in Gaza City and the largely isolated and devastated northern Gaza.
The territory is expected to see a surge in food, medical supplies and other humanitarian aid.
The deal requires 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza every day of the ceasefire, 50 of them carrying fuel, with 300 of the trucks allocated to the north.
The ceasefire plan approved by Israel’s cabinet says all trucks entering Gaza will be subject to Israeli inspections.
Phase two: Negotiations over a second phase of the agreement are to begin on the 16th day of phase one and are expected to include the release of all remaining hostages, including male Israeli soldiers, a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces.
Israel says it will not agree to a complete withdrawal until Hamas’s military and political capabilities are eliminated, ensuring it can no longer rule.
Hamas refuses to hand over the last Israeli hostages until Israel ends the war and removes all its troops.
Phase three: A third phase is expected to include the return of the bodies of the dead hostages and the beginning of Gaza’s reconstruction, a mammoth task that will be supervised by Egypt, Qatar and the UN.