Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at ending fighting in the Gaza Strip. According to the agreement, Palestinian hostages and prisoners will be released in stages. The first phase provides for the release of 33 Israeli hostages captured during Hamas’ attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In response, Israel will release hundreds of imprisoned Palestinians.
The agreement also includes humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip and the return of displaced Palestinians to the northern part of the region. At the same time, Israeli troops will begin withdrawing from populated areas, but will maintain a buffer zone along the border with the Gaza Strip.
Israel has expressed its willingness to negotiate a second phase that could lead to a complete withdrawal from Gaza. Although the first stage of the ceasefire does not yet guarantee the continuation of peace measures in the future, the Israeli side is focused on the return of all hostages and the continuation of negotiations.
The final approval of the agreement by the Israeli cabinet is expected to take place on January 16 at 11:00.
The fighting that began in October 2023 has had serious consequences. Israel reports more than 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages, while in Gaza, more than 46,000 Palestinians have died, including many civilians, and tens of thousands have been forced to flee their homes.