CAIRO — A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is scheduled to begin on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), as announced by Qatar, which is mediating discussions between the two sides. Families of hostages held in Gaza are anxious for any news regarding their loved ones, while Palestinians are getting ready to welcome back freed detainees. Concurrently, humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to provide aid in anticipation of the ceasefire.
However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the ceasefire is contingent upon Israel receiving the names of the hostages that Hamas is expected to release, a stipulation agreed upon prior to the announcement. This warning came shortly after the cabinet of Israel convened for an unusual meeting during the Jewish Sabbath and reached a consensus on the ceasefire deal. The relatives of those held hostage are filled with a mixture of hope and trepidation, fearing for the fate of their loved ones.
This temporary halt in hostilities marks a significant step toward resolving the most intense conflict between Israel and the Hamas militant group, occurring over 15 months of violence. This situation sets the stage for negotiations on a much more intricate second phase of the ceasefire, which is slated to commence approximately two weeks after the first phase, lasting 42 days. Following this period, Israel’s security cabinet will assess the next steps.
Continuing Israeli airstrikes have resulted in fatalities, with 23 bodies reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry in just the last day. The situation on the ground remains dire, with an individual expressing frustration over the violence occurring even on the eve of a ceasefire. In central and southern Israel, air raid sirens have been triggered, indicating ongoing threats, including missile interceptions linked to Houthi attacks from Yemen, which have been described as an effort to show solidarity with the Palestinians.
Qatar’s foreign minister has cautioned Palestinians to remain vigilant during the initial hours of the ceasefire and to await information from authorities. Meanwhile, the Israeli military stated that for the first week of the ceasefire, Palestinians will be prohibited from traversing the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza, while advising them to keep a safe distance from Israeli forces.
As people prepare for the prospect of returning home, many have expressed a longing to check on their properties. One father from Gaza City shared his worries about the possibility of tragedy striking before family reunions can take place. Others, like a mother of six, detailed their arduous experiences of displacement, having relocated multiple times in response to evacuation orders, and expressed a sense of cautious hope that the violence would subside and allow for safer living conditions.
The first stage of the ceasefire will see the release of 33 hostages in Gaza over a course of six weeks, in exchange for 737 Palestinian prisoners currently in Israeli custody. A list of the detainees eligible for release has been published, comprising primarily younger individuals and female prisoners. However, some groups representing victims of Palestinian assaults plan to challenge this release in court.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, exchanges will initiate at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT) on Sunday, with the plan specifying that three living female hostages will be freed on the day of commencement, followed by further releases on Day 7 and subsequently over the following weeks. Palestinian prisoners will be set free only after the safe return of hostages during each exchange.
Additionally, approximately 1,167 civilians from Gaza, not involved in the recent conflict, will also be released, including all women and individuals under the age of 19. Those Palestinian prisoners convicted of violent acts will face deportation either to Gaza or other countries for varying durations, and they will be prohibited from returning to Israel or the West Bank.
The second phase of negotiations will address the release of remaining hostages, including male soldiers, with Hamas maintaining that these individuals will not be let go without a sustained ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces. As part of the initial phase, Israeli troops are set to pull back to a buffer zone inside Gaza, facilitating the return of displaced individuals to their homes.
While Gaza residents await the possibility of returning to their damaged or destroyed homes, prospects for humanitarian aid delivery are also on the horizon. Egypt’s foreign minister announced that the Rafah crossing will soon be operational, enabling the entry of up to 600 aid trucks, including those carrying vital fuel supplies, on a daily basis during the ceasefire.
Though the situation remains intricate and challenges persist, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized the complexity of the unfolding scenario and the obstacles faced in the efficient distribution of aid.
The ongoing conflict has been marked by significant casualties, with an estimated 1,200 people killed during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led assault, and approximately 250 taken hostage. Israel’s military response since then has reportedly claimed over 46,000 lives according to local health authorities, who highlight that a substantial proportion of the deceased are women and children.
