Characteristics of the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement

An interim truce agreement, intended to facilitate the release of numerous hostages taken during Hamas’ incursion into Israel, is expected to provide much-needed relief to the beleaguered residents of Gaza and offer a ray of hope to the families of those held captive.

The deal, which faced last-minute challenges, was activated a day later than initially planned. It stipulates a four-day cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hamas. Additionally, Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody are set to be released as part of this agreement.

The truce, orchestrated by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, was announced on Wednesday. It culminated weeks of intermittent indirect talks and has set a critical stage that could shape the trajectory of the ongoing conflict triggered by Hamas’ attack on October 7.

Details of the agreement, shared separately by Israel, Hamas, and Qatar, vary but do not contradict each other.

Under the agreement, Qatar stated that in return for the release of 50 hostages by Hamas, Israel would free 150 Palestinian prisoners. Those liberated by both sides will primarily be women and minors.

The plan involves the phased release of hostages, who are part of the 240 people abducted last month, throughout the duration of the ceasefire. Following the release of the first group of hostages, Israel is anticipated to liberate the first batch of Palestinian prisoners. These prisoners, many of them teenage boys, were detained for actions like stone-throwing or public disorder during the violence in the West Bank in 2022 or 2023.

Israel has proposed to extend the truce by one day for every additional 10 hostages released.

As part of the deal, Qatar mentioned that Israel would allow increased quantities of fuel and humanitarian aid into Gaza, though specifics were not provided.

Hamas stated that the agreement includes the daily entry of hundreds of trucks carrying humanitarian aid and fuel into Gaza, marking the first such supply to reach northern Gaza, the focus of Israel’s ground offensive.

While the Israeli government’s statement did not mention increased aid and fuel deliveries, Israeli Channel 12 TV reported that a substantial amount of fuel and humanitarian supplies would be allowed into Gaza as part of the deal.

The conflict is expected to pause temporarily: Israeli forces and jets will cease fire, and militants will refrain from launching rockets into Israel.

Hamas claimed that during the truce, Israeli warplanes would halt flights over southern Gaza and reduce them over northern Gaza. Israel did not confirm this, and it remains unclear if this includes surveillance drones.

The deal, however, does not address all hostages, leaving a significant number still in Hamas custody, including men, women, older people, and foreign nationals. Families not covered in the current agreement are expected to continue pressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for further negotiations to secure their loved ones’ release.

While Netanyahu assured that the International Committee of the Red Cross would visit the remaining hostages to provide necessary medical assistance, neither Hamas nor the Red Cross has confirmed this.

Despite the ceasefire bringing a brief respite to Gaza, displaced individuals are not expected to return home immediately. Israeli troops will maintain their positions in northern Gaza.

This agreement represents only a short hiatus in the fighting. Israel aims to resume its military operations to dismantle Hamas and save the captives once the ceasefire concludes. Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire would allow the military to prepare for continued combat, indicating the war’s continuation after the truce.

The temporary halt in hostilities also gives Hamas an opportunity to re-strategize and possibly increase its demands, potentially leading to extended negotiations for a longer ceasefire. Such an extension would make it more challenging for Israel to reinitiate the war, considering both operational logistics and global public opinion.

The Israeli government, under increasing domestic pressure, may face further demands to secure the release of more hostages, especially from families not included in the current agreement.