Gaza Ceasefire: Release of hostages and withdrawal of army from Gaza; How will the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement be implemented?

For the last 15 months, Israel and Hamas agreed to stop the conflict going on in the Gaza Strip. After the mediation of the US and Qatar, Israel and Hamas agreed on a ceasefire agreement and the release of prisoners. Hundreds of people lost their lives in the war that started between Israel and Hamas on October 7, 2023. Thousands of people were injured and hundreds are still hostages. This agreement between Israel and Hamas will be implemented in three phases.

How did the war between Israel and Hamas start

On October 7, 2023, Hamas targeted many parts of Israel. About 1200 Israeli civilians were killed in this attack. While 250 people were taken hostage. After this, Israel started attacking Gaza. So far more than 45 thousand Palestinian civilians have been killed in the attacks of the Israeli army. Large parts of Gaza have been turned into rubble. About 90 percent of Gaza's population of 23 lakh has been displaced. Millions of people are living in tents. People are facing starvation.

How did the agreement initiative start

Qatar and the US initiated a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas over the growing carnage in Gaza. In 2024, Qatar mediated in the war and implemented a week-long ceasefire from 24 November to 1 December. In November, Qatar also distanced itself from the talks. Qatar had alleged that Israel and Hamas were not willing to negotiate. However, efforts continued behind the scenes. The US also insisted on agreeing on a ceasefire. Recently, the newly elected US President Donald Trump has also threatened Hamas to release the hostages soon, otherwise, it will have serious consequences.

What is in the agreement?

The agreement reached after several weeks of tough negotiations in the capital of Qatar has imposed several conditions. Hamas has agreed to release dozens of hostages in a phased manner. Israel has also agreed to release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners from its captivity. On this, US President Joe Biden said, 'The administration has succeeded in reaching an agreement on a ceasefire and hostage agreement after 8 months of continuous negotiations. This agreement will be implemented in three phases.

The agreement will be effective from January 19

Qatar, Egypt, and the US issued a joint statement on Wednesday. It said that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and the release of hostages. The agreement will be effective from January 19, 2025, and it plans to bring peace in three phases. Also, in this case, Qatar, Egypt, and the US have pledged to ensure that all three phases will be followed and this agreement will be fully implemented. These countries have also promised to make this process successful in collaboration with the United Nations and other international partners.

The first phase will be six weeks, hostages will be released.

The first phase of the agreement will be of six weeks. There will be a complete ceasefire in this. US President Joe Biden said that Hamas would release the hostages. Along with this, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. However, Biden has not mentioned the number of hostages. It is being told that 33 hostages will be released in the first phase. At the same time, after the agreement is implemented, some Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza. Palestine will also return to Gaza. Humanitarian aid in Gaza will accelerate during the ceasefire. Hundreds of trucks will reach Gaza every day. Biden said that there will be several rounds of talks between the first and second phases. Even if it takes more than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue.

Permanent end of war in the second phase

During the talks in six weeks, Israel and Hamas will reach a consensus on many issues. Biden said that this would be a permanent end to the war. In this, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners, while Hamas will continue to release hostages. During this time, the Israeli army will completely withdraw from Gaza. After this, the temporary ceasefire will become permanent.

The reconstruction plan will start in Gaza in the third phase.

The reconstruction plan will be implemented in Gaza in the third phase of the agreement. This may take several years. Meanwhile, the bodies of the remaining hostages will be returned. Biden said that the last remains of the hostages killed in phase three will be returned to their families and a major reconstruction plan will begin for Gaza. Biden said that those who have monitored the talks know that the path to the agreement was not easy. This is one of the most difficult negotiations of my life. I think Israel put pressure on Hamas with the support of America.