A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to take effect Sunday morning, paving the way for a potential end to the devastating 15-month conflict in Gaza.
The agreement, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, follows months of intense negotiations. It’s a significant development, coming just before the January 20 inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump.
As part of the deal, Israeli forces have begun withdrawing from areas in Gaza’s Rafah.
The three-stage ceasefire will commence on Sunday. Its first stage will last six weeks, during which 33 of the remaining 98 hostages will be released, including women, children, men over 50, and the ill and wounded. In exchange, nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees will be freed.
Three female hostages are expected to be released Sunday afternoon via the Red Cross, with four more to follow after seven days, and three additional hostages every seven days thereafter. The Israeli army will pull back from some positions in Gaza, allowing Palestinians displaced from northern Gaza to return home.
While this agreement brings hope for a peaceful resolution, concerns remain about the future of Gaza. The enclave faces significant rebuilding challenges, requiring billions of dollars and years of work. Moreover, the absence of a comprehensive post-war agreement raises uncertainty about the region’s stability.
