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Mediators announce Gaza truce and hostage agreement; Israel reports final details are uncertain.

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DOHA, Qatar — On Wednesday, mediators announced that Israel and Hamas have reached an agreement to temporarily halt the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip, raising hopes for an end to the severe violence between the two groups.

This three-phase ceasefire plan includes provisions for the release of numerous hostages held by militants in Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody. It is also designed to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals to their homes, as well as to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to areas devastated by over a year of hostility, according to the mediators.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, mentioned that the ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday and emphasized that its effectiveness hinges on both Israel and Hamas working in good faith to prevent the agreement from failing. This announcement followed weeks of intricate discussions held in the Qatari capital, Doha.

In Washington, President Joe Biden expressed his support for the deal and indicated that the ceasefire would endure as long as the two parties engage in talks regarding a lasting truce. He credited extensive U.S. diplomatic efforts for the successful negotiations, acknowledging the collaborative approach between his administration and that of President-elect Donald Trump.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged on Wednesday evening that while a ceasefire agreement had been reached, it was still under refinement, with specific details still pending. An Israeli official, preferring to remain anonymous, noted that the negotiations were currently focused on finalizing the list of Palestinian prisoners who would be released as part of the deal. The Cabinet will need to authorize any final agreement.

Netanyahu, while thanking Trump and Biden for their roles in the ceasefire negotiations, remained vague about his acceptance of the deal, stating that he would provide a formal response once the remaining details are settled. His cautious stance may reflect the dynamics of domestic politics, as his coalition government relies on the backing of hardline factions opposed to the release of Palestinian inmates. If these factions withdraw their support, it could jeopardize Netanyahu’s government, possibly resulting in early elections.

In a recent statement, Netanyahu’s administration accused Hamas of reneging on previous agreements, particularly concerning Israel’s proposed ability to veto any prisoner releases related to murder charges. Following this, Hamas did not provide an immediate response.

Earlier, Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged the government to endorse the ceasefire during a speech broadcast nationally. Hamas later released a statement claiming that the ceasefire emerged from the resilience demonstrated by the Palestinian people in Gaza.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. plan to convene in Cairo for discussions on how to implement the deal, as confirmed by a senior U.S. official who requested anonymity. The initial phase of the agreement is anticipated to start a six-week cessation of hostilities, during which negotiations to conclude the overall conflict will also occur.

During this time, it is expected that 33 of the nearly 100 hostages, who have been held incommunicado, will be reunited with their families. However, it remains uncertain how many displaced Palestinians will be able to return and whether the full cessation of the conflict and withdrawal of Israeli forces will be realized, as these are core demands from Hamas.

The broader implications of the ceasefire raise significant questions regarding governance in post-war Gaza, who will manage reconstruction efforts, and the overall stability of the region impacted by the prolonged conflict.

The violence escalated following Hamas’ October 7, 2023 attack, in which approximately 1,200 people in Israel lost their lives and 250 others were abducted. In retaliation, Israel launched an aggressive campaign that has reportedly led to over 46,000 Palestinian casualties, with local health officials indicating that many of the deceased are civilians, including women and children.

During a previous week-long ceasefire in November 2023, more than 100 hostages were released from Gaza. The U.S., alongside Egypt and Qatar, facilitated lengthy indirect negotiations, culminating in the latest accord. This deal follows another ceasefire reached between Israel and Hezbollah in November, amid a year of conflict intimately linked to the developments in Gaza.

Estimates from U.N. agencies and international relief organizations indicate that approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced multiple times, with tens of thousands of homes destroyed and medical facilities barely operational. Experts have warned of an impending famine, particularly in northern Gaza.

A Palestinian father of three named Abed Radwan expressed his relief, labeling the ceasefire as “the best day in my life and the life of the Gaza people.” Having been displaced from Beit Lahiya and currently taking shelter in Gaza City, he expressed his hope for returning home. His voice was intermingled with the sounds of celebration from fellow Gazans as he shared his sentiments.

In Israel, hundreds gathered outside military headquarters in Tel Aviv to advocate for the finalization of the deal. Many demonstrators carried posters depicting hostages and held candles aloft. Some individuals, like Sharone Lifschitz, whose father remains captive, conveyed a mix of disbelief and cautious optimism at the news, emphasizing the emotional weight of the situation.

The Hostage Families Forum, which has been vocal in its appeals for action from Israeli leaders, expressed joy and relief at the announcement, stating their belief that after 460 days of captivity for their loved ones, they are closer than ever to reunification.

President Biden also outlined the terms of the ceasefire agreement in a previous address, noting that the first phase would endure for six weeks, during which a complete halt of hostilities would be enforced, Israeli forces would be withdrawn from conflict zones, and a number of hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid is expected to surge significantly in Gaza during this period.

The second phase of the agreement will tackle the release of all remaining hostages, including male soldiers, while integrating the full withdrawal of Israeli troops. The final stage anticipates initiating extensive reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

Hamas has insisted on guarantees for a permanent peace and complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. In contrast, Israel has reiterated its stance on continuing military operations until Hamas’ military infrastructure is eradicated. With the transition of U.S. leadership on the horizon, both parties faced mounting pressure to reach an accord.

Netanyahu has faced substantial domestic pressure, corresponding to public sentiment urging attention to the hostages’ return. The families of the captives have become a formidable lobbying group, supported by widespread protests advocating for action. Current assessments suggest that over a third of the remaining hostages are presumed dead, complicating the emotional landscape for families awaiting news.

Internally, Hamas also experiences stress from ongoing Israeli military operations that continue to focus on eliminating key leadership and military capabilities. Nevertheless, recent reports show that Hamas forces have reorganized following Israeli withdrawals, foreseeing a potential protracted insurgency should fighting resume.

The evolving political landscape in Israel poses challenges for Netanyahu, who may confront calls for accountability regarding the security lapses leading to the initial October attacks. His far-right coalition partners, who are resistant to a ceasefire, could jeopardize the stability of his government and prompt early elections.

Despite the current ceasefire, it remains unclear who will govern Gaza post-conflict. While Israel plans to collaborate with local Palestinians disaffiliated from Hamas or the Palestinian Authority, a reliable partner in that regard remains uncertain, especially considering Hamas’s warnings against cooperation with Israeli forces.

The U.S. has sought to foster comprehensive plans for the reconstruction of Gaza, including reforming the Palestinian Authority with both Arab and international support. These initiatives are intertwined with aspirations for normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Israel, contingent on tangible advancements in establishing a Palestinian state—an endeavor that faces skepticism within the Israeli political landscape.

Calls for continued security control over Gaza and the West Bank, regions captured in the 1967 war, propagate tensions amid negotiations for long-lasting solutions. The complex dynamics surrounding both political and humanitarian considerations indicate that significant challenges remain ahead as the region seeks pathways toward peace and stability.

@USLive

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