Ceasefire Agreement Reached in Gaza: Key Details Unveiled

A ceasefire has been agreed upon between Israel and Hamas, marking a significant step towards ending the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Announced by President Donald Trump on March 15, 2024, the deal is part of a broader US-led peace initiative. Although specific details are yet to be officially confirmed, reports indicate that the first phase of the agreement includes a prisoner exchange, humanitarian aid access, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The ceasefire agreement is set to be signed later today in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt. Within 72 hours of this signing, it is anticipated that all remaining 20 living Israeli captives will be released simultaneously, without a formal ceremony. Additionally, the bodies of deceased Israeli captives will be returned gradually as their remains are collected. In exchange for the release of the Israeli captives, approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will gain their freedom. While the final list of those to be released is still pending approval, it is expected to include around 250 individuals serving life sentences alongside more than 1,700 detainees from the Gaza Strip.

The humanitarian aspect of the agreement is also crucial. At least 400 aid trucks are projected to enter Gaza immediately following the signing of the agreement, with the potential for that number to increase in the subsequent days. The Rafah border crossing with Egypt, a critical access point for aid, is expected to reopen as part of this initiative.

The Israeli military has indicated preparations for a partial troop withdrawal from various parts of Gaza, although the exact scope and specifics of this initial phase remain unclear. The Israeli government is scheduled to convene this afternoon to ratify the ceasefire and finalize the list of Palestinian detainees set for release. Once ratified, the ceasefire will take effect, and the names of the Palestinian prisoners will be publicly disclosed.

President Trump is likely to visit Israel over the weekend to coincide with the expected release of the Israeli captives, which is slated for Sunday or Monday. Further discussions regarding the broader terms of the US peace plan will occur at a later stage. This plan includes additional provisions such as a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts for the territory, disarmament of Hamas, and the possible deployment of international forces.

Last week, Trump presented a 20-point framework aimed at concluding the devastating two-year conflict. This proposal has drawn criticism from pro-Palestinian advocates due to its perceived bias towards Israel’s security concerns. The proposal also appointed former British Prime Minister Tony Blair to a transitional committee overseeing Gaza’s future. While Israel has accepted the proposal, Hamas has agreed to certain aspects, paving the way for today’s significant announcement.

As the situation continues to evolve, the coming days will be critical in determining the implementation and effectiveness of this ceasefire agreement and the potential for lasting peace in the region.