Hamas accepted a draft agreement for a cease-fire in Gaza and the release of hostages, according to sources from officials involved in the negotiations. Qatar, a key mediator in the process, confirmed that both Israel and Hamas are closer than ever to reaching an agreement, after more than a year of intense negotiations.
Although there are still details to be worked out, an Israeli official stressed that the agreement is almost ready, but must go through Israeli cabinet approval. This latest phase of negotiations is taking place amid growing hope for conclusion before the inauguration of U.S. President-elect Donald Trump on January 20.
The Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan
The agreement under discussion is structured in three main phases. The first phase envisages the release of 33 hostages, including women, children and wounded persons, in exchange for the release of Palestinian women and children imprisoned in Israel.
In addition, this first phase envisages a partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from the most populated areas of Gaza, the return of Palestinians to their homes in the north of the territory and a significant increase in humanitarian aid.
The second phase, which is still under negotiation, would include the release of more hostages, mostly Israeli soldiers, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, this stage remains one of the most complex points and there are no guarantees that the ceasefire will continue after the first phase.
The third phase would include the return of the bodies of the remaining hostages, as well as the creation of a reconstruction plan for Gaza, under international supervision, which would extend over three to five years.
Persistent Obstacles on the Road to Peace
Despite progress, the process continues to face significant obstacles. Hamas has insisted that it will not release the last hostages without a full cessation of hostilities and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. For its part, Israel has made it clear that it will resume its military operations if Hamas’ military capabilities are not eliminated.
Another major challenge is control of territory. Israel would maintain control of the Philadelphi Corridor on Gaza’s border with Egypt, while withdrawing its forces from the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, which could be a point of tension in the negotiations.
The proposed agreement promises relief for the people of Gaza, who have endured a devastating conflict for more than 15 months, although much remains to be done to ensure its success and the reconstruction of the territory.
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