The ceasefire agreement, explained. By Qassam Muaddi. Mondoweiss.

Key Points on the Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Hamas

1. Duration and Implementation Phases:

The ceasefire, effective January 19, 2025, will last 42 days initially, halting hostilities and initiating a prisoner exchange.

Phase One includes Israel withdrawing forces from populated areas in Gaza and allowing displaced Palestinians to return to the north.

Humanitarian aid will enter Gaza at a rate of 600 trucks per day.

2. Prisoner Exchange Details:

Hamas will release 33 Israelis, including women, elderly, and ill captives, while Israel will release up to 1,000 Palestinian detainees.

Negotiations for additional exchanges and a second phase of withdrawal will begin on the 16th day.

3. Territorial Adjustments:

Israel agreed to withdraw from Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors and will maintain a limited presence near the Gaza-Egypt border.

Full withdrawal from the Rafah crossing will be completed with guarantees from US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators.

4. Political Reactions:

Qatar, Egypt, and the US were key mediators. President-elect Donald Trump claimed credit for securing the deal.

Israeli President Yitzhak Herzog supported the deal, while right-wing ministers Bezalelel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir opposed it, threatening political fallout.

5. Public and Military Actions:

Palestinian celebrations in Gaza were met with intensified Israeli airstrikes, leading to more casualties.

As of January 15, over 46,707 Palestinians had been killed, with 70% being women, children, and elderly.

6. Humanitarian and Reconstruction Efforts:

Aid will focus on medical supplies and rebuilding critical infrastructure.

Future phases will address broader reconstruction and a permanent peace framework.

This deal marks a potential turning point but faces significant political and operational challenges. The ceasefire’s success depends on adherence to terms and sustained international mediation.

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