Three nations, four days, countless lives: How diplomats secured the Gaza ceasefire
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After 96 hours of intense negotiations in Qatar, a highly anticipated ceasefire-for-hostages agreement for Gaza has finally been reached. The discussions were mediated by diplomats from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
According to a Reuters report citing a senior Biden administration official, the involvement of Steve Witkoff, President-elect Donald Trump's incoming Middle East envoy, played a crucial role in securing the deal.
The announcement comes after 15 months of devastating conflict that has left the Palestinian territory in ruins and ignited unrest across the Middle East.
Negotiators in Doha are reportedly nearing a historic agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release deal between Israel and Hamas, according to Qatar's
The proposed plan included a six-week truce during which Hamas would release Israeli hostages in stages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. This arrangement also included phased troop withdrawals and humanitarian provisions.
Key Points of the Proposal:
Hostage Exchange:
Hamas to release hostages in intervals.
Israel to release 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, prioritizing women, the elderly, and those seriously ill.
Humanitarian Access:
Aid delivery to Gaza to increase significantly.
Displaced residents in southern Gaza allowed to return to northern areas, initially on foot.
Security Provisions:
Israeli troops to maintain positions in key buffer zones during the initial truce phase.
Movements monitored by Qatari-Egyptian security teams.
High-Stakes Negotiations
The talks are unfolding under heightened pressure, with outgoing U.S. President Joe Biden eager to finalize the deal before his term ends. President-elect Donald Trump has warned of severe consequences should the hostages remain in captivity after his inauguration.
Both Israeli and Hamas representatives have acknowledged progress. While Hamas conveyed optimism about reaching a comprehensive agreement, an Israeli official emphasized the sensitivity of the negotiations, describing them as focused on "hundreds and thousands of details."
On the Ground
Gaza continues to face severe hardships. Over 46,000 people have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, with most of the 2.3 million population displaced. Basic necessities such as food, medicine, and shelter remain in critically short supply.
For families on both sides of the conflict, the prospect of a ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope. Palestinians dream of reuniting with loved ones, while Israelis await the return of hostages. The coming days are pivotal as the world watches to see if peace will finally take hold in the war-torn region.