Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire Deal: What Happens Next?
The Three-Month Agreement Calls for Humanitarian Aid, Israeli Withdrawal, and Exchange of Captives
After 15 months of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement that promises a gradual de-escalation of violence in Gaza, which has been ravaged by months of airstrikes and ground battles. The deal, which spans three months, was approved by Hamas on Wednesday, though a planned Israeli Cabinet meeting for Thursday to approve the agreement was delayed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a “last-minute crisis” initiated by Hamas, and internal political divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition government were evident, with his far-right allies refusing to support the deal.
The agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, includes several phases aimed at restoring stability, providing humanitarian relief, and initiating a captive exchange. Key aspects of the deal include the surge of aid into Gaza, the gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
January 19: Day One of Ceasefire
The ceasefire will begin on Sunday, January 19, with the first Israeli captives expected to be released and a halt in military operations. The situation in Gaza is marked by cautious optimism, but fear still lingers as the ceasefire is not yet fully implemented. Reports from Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, speaking from Gaza, revealed that at least 80 Palestinians were killed in Israeli air raids since the deal was announced.
The agreement calls for 600 trucks of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza each day, though concerns remain about Israel’s history of violating ceasefire terms. Humanitarian agencies are calling for unrestricted access to address the severe shortage of food and supplies in Gaza, where a humanitarian crisis is worsening.
Emotions Run High: Israeli Captives' Families React
Families of the Israeli captives are responding with a mix of hope and anxiety. Ifat Kalderon, cousin of captive Ofer Kalderon, expressed relief but admitted uncertainty. "It’s going to be a huge relief whenever I see Ofer,” she said, but she emphasized that the family would continue protesting every day until the release happens.
January 25: Day Seven – Palestinians Return to Northern Gaza
On day seven, Palestinian civilians displaced by the conflict will be allowed to return to northern Gaza. More than 90 percent of Gaza’s population has been forced from their homes, and many plan to return immediately when the opportunity arises. Umm Mohamed, a 66-year-old woman who lost two children in Israeli bombing, expressed hope to return to her village in Beit Hanoon, northern Gaza.
February 3: Day 16 – Negotiations for Phase Two Begin
By day 16, the two parties will begin negotiating the second phase of the agreement. Specific details of this phase are still being discussed, but it will include the continued release of hostages and further troop withdrawals.
March 1: Day 42 – Phase One Concludes
The first phase of the agreement is set to conclude by March 1, with 33 Israeli captives exchanged for 100 Palestinian prisoners. If all goes according to plan, phase two will begin, involving the release of the remaining 65 Israeli captives. In exchange, Israel will begin its withdrawal from Gaza and commit to a permanent ceasefire. The withdrawal will also extend to the Philadelphi Corridor, a buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt.
March 9: Day 50 – Full Withdrawal from Philadelphi Corridor
By day 50, Israel is expected to complete its withdrawal from the Philadelphi Corridor, which separates Gaza from Egypt. This will mark a significant shift in the region’s security dynamics, although negotiations are still ongoing over the future governance of Gaza.
April 12: Day 84 – Phase Three and Post-War Reconstruction
The third phase of the agreement will begin on April 12, provided the conditions of the second phase are met. While the exact details remain unclear, the third phase is expected to include the exchange of the bodies of remaining captives and a reconstruction plan for Gaza that will be overseen by international bodies. The U.S. has suggested that the Palestinian Authority could play a role in Gaza’s governance after the ceasefire, although no agreement has yet been reached on this issue.
As the world watches the implementation of this ceasefire, the focus now turns to ensuring that both sides honor their commitments. The coming months will be critical in determining whether lasting peace can be achieved or if this ceasefire is merely a temporary respite in a long-standing conflict.