Al Jazeera Reveals Details of Hamas-Accepted Ceasefire Agreement
Al Jazeera has obtained the text of a mediator-proposed agreement accepted by Hamas, aiming to establish a permanent ceasefire, facilitate the return of displaced individuals, and initiate a prisoner exchange, a significant step towards peace in the volatile Gaza region.
The comprehensive agreement, endorsed by Hamas on May 6, 2024, includes foundational principles for a ceasefire between Israeli and Palestinian sides in Gaza. The multifaceted deal, backed by Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and the United Nations, outlines a structured, phased approach to ease tensions and restore stability.
Key Components of the Agreement
The agreement is structured in three interconnected phases, focusing on the cessation of hostilities, the release of all Israeli detainees in Gaza—whether alive or deceased—and a corresponding release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails.
Phase One (42 days): This initial stage requires a temporary halt to military operations by both sides and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas to designated border zones. Restrictions on military and reconnaissance flights over Gaza will be enforced, allowing humanitarian aid to be delivered without impediments.
Humanitarian Measures: From day one, extensive humanitarian aid, including food, medical supplies, and fuel, will be facilitated to enter Gaza, aiming to support approximately 600 trucks daily. This phase also emphasizes the freedom of movement for Gaza's residents and the commencement of infrastructure rehabilitation.
Prisoner Exchange Details: Hamas agrees to release 33 Israeli detainees, focusing on women, children under 19, the elderly above 50, and the sick. In return, Israel will release a proportionate number of Palestinian prisoners based on lists provided by Hamas.
Legal and Security Assurances: The agreement ensures that released Palestinian prisoners will not be re-arrested on previous charges, and it calls for lifting sanctions against Palestinian detainees imposed after October 7, 2023.
Phase Two (42 days): This phase will solidify the cessation of all military and hostile actions, marking the beginning of a sustained calm, followed by the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.
Phase Three (42 days): This phase focuses on exchanging remains and identifying the deceased and initiates a comprehensive three-to-five-year reconstruction plan for Gaza, supervised by international stakeholders, including Egypt and Qatar.
The agreement stipulates that these phases are contingent upon strict adherence to the ceasefire terms, emphasizing the crucial role of international oversight in ensuring compliance and facilitating the ongoing humanitarian response.
As guarantors of the agreement, Qatar, Egypt, the United States, and the United Nations have pledged to oversee the implementation of these measures, aiming to secure a durable peace and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which has long been under severe blockade.
This agreement represents a potential turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, offering hope for a sustained peace if all parties adhere to their commitments.