Israel, Hamas Agree to Ceasefire: Hostages to be Released

In a significant development, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire deal that includes the phased release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. President Joe Biden confirmed the agreement, which is set to go into effect on Sunday. The deal, mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, is expected to bring an end to the 15-month war in Gaza and pave the way for a sustainable calm.



The ceasefire deal is structured in three phases, each lasting six weeks. In Phase 1, Israeli forces will withdraw from densely populated areas, and aid will be allowed into Gaza. Coordination is underway to open the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing to allow international aid into Gaza. Thirty-three hostages will be released, starting with women, children, and the elderly. President Biden confirmed that Americans will be part of the initial release.



Phase 2 will involve the announcement of a sustainable calm, permanent cessation of military operations, and the exchange of remaining Israeli male hostages for an agreed-upon number of prisoners in Israeli jails. The complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip will also be implemented during this phase.

Phase 3 will focus on the exchange of remains and bodies in the possession of both parties after identification. The reconstruction of Gaza will begin, lasting for three to five years, including homes, civilian buildings, and infrastructure. Compensation for all affected individuals will be provided under the supervision of several countries and organizations, including Egypt, Qatar, and the U.N. The opening of crossings and allowing the movement of people and goods will also be part of this phase.

The release of hostages is expected to have a significant impact on Israeli domestic politics and public opinion. While the phased release may bring relief to hostage families and supporters, it may also put pressure on Netanyahu's government. Critics have accused Netanyahu of putting his political interests ahead of quickly getting the captives back, and the slow pace of the release may reignite these criticisms. The release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages may also deepen the divide among the Israeli public and influence the upcoming elections.



The ceasefire deal has several potential geopolitical implications for the Middle East region. The deal was mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, indicating a shift in regional dynamics and potentially strengthening their influence in the region. Qatar, in particular, has emerged as a key mediator, highlighting its growing regional importance. This could lead to a realignment of alliances, with countries like Egypt and Qatar playing more significant roles in Middle East politics.

The deal may strain Israel's relations with neighboring countries, such as Egypt and Jordan, which have criticized Israel's military campaign in Gaza. Egypt's President El-Sisi has concerns about Hamas, but the swelling of Palestinian support among his population may pressure him to take a stronger stance against Israel. Jordan's King Abdullah II has condemned Israel's military campaign as a 'war crime,' indicating a potential deterioration in relations. This could have implications for regional security, as both Egypt and Jordan share borders with Israel and have peace treaties with it.

The involvement of Iran and Hezbollah in the conflict raises the risk of the conflict spreading across the Middle East. If Hezbollah joins the war, it could draw in other regional actors, such as Syria and Lebanon, exacerbating the situation. The United States has intercepted cruise missiles fired by Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen towards Israel, indicating a broader regional involvement. This could lead to further escalation and instability in the Middle East.

The release of Palestinian prisoners as part of the ceasefire deal could also influence the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The release of prisoners convicted in deadly attacks on Israelis could lead to increased tensions and violence, potentially exacerbating the already fragile security situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories. This could also boost morale and support for Hamas and other Palestinian factions, strengthening their position in Palestinian politics and potentially emboldening them to demand more concessions from Israel in future negotiations.

In conclusion, the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, including the phased release of hostages, has significant implications for Israel's domestic politics, regional geopolitics, and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the deal brings hope for an end to the war in Gaza, it also raises concerns about potential instability and the long-term prospects for peace in the region. As the situation evolves, world leaders and markets will be closely watching the developments in the Middle East.