The war in the Gaza Strip has been going on since October 7, 2023, when Hamas, which rules the territory, attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping 251. According to the Hamas-controlled authorities, over 67,100 people were killed in Israeli retaliation. Palestinians. The Gaza Strip is in ruins. Aid organizations reported a deepening humanitarian crisis, including famine. However, the agreement announced by Donald Trump last night is intended to normalize this situation.
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What does the first stage of the peace plan involve?
This includes: for the release of all 47 hostages kidnapped by Hamas. When they are released, Israel will in return release 250 Palestinians serving life sentences and 1,700 Gaza residents detained after the war broke out. Hamas on Wednesday provided negotiators with a list of Palestinians who would be released.
The first stage of the proposal also includes stopping the fighting, starting the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the Gaza Strip and increasing the inflow of humanitarian aid. Further provisions of the 20-point plan include, among others: the laying down of arms by Hamas and the transfer of power in the enclave to a Palestinian interim administration under international supervision, as well as the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip. It is not yet known when all the points of the agreement will be concluded.
How did the Hamas and Israeli authorities react?
Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu announced that “with God's help, we will bring all the hostages home”, thanked Trump and described the conclusion of the agreement as “a diplomatic success and a moral victory for Israel.”
Hamas announced it had agreed to the deal, while calling on the international community to force Israel to abide by the deal.
How did the people of Israel and the Gaza Strip react?
The forum for families of Israelis kidnapped by Hamas “welcomed” the announcement of the first phase of the ceasefire, thanked Trump but stressed that it would not rest until all hostages were returned to the country. It is also known that about 200 people gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv to celebrate the agreement.
Residents in the Gaza Strip are also happy. Videos appear on social media showing satisfaction with last night's arrangements.
Power and internet blackouts are ongoing in Gaza City, and Palestinian journalists are going door to door to inform residents about the agreement.
What will happen in the coming days?
The Haaretz daily reported that the agreement between Hamas and Israel is to be formally signed on Thursday at noon in Egypt. Earlier on Wednesday, the country's president, Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, invited Trump to a ceremony on this occasion. The American leader did not rule out that he would go to the Middle East. Israeli troops are to withdraw from the Gaza Strip within the next 24 hours.
Trump's plan stipulates that those kidnapped should be released within 72 hours after the agreement is adopted. The US president announced overnight that those detained in the Gaza Strip will “most likely be released on Monday.” In an interview with Fox News, he added that Hamas would also hand over the bodies of the hostages.
