Doha: A deal was reached in Doha on Wednesday between the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Israel to enforce the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and exchange of prisoners and hostages.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreement outlines a series of measures and practical mechanisms for implementing the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, as well as restoring sustained calm, ultimately leading to a permanent ceasefire between the two parties.
Preparations for the second phase of the agreement focus on achieving a final deal to enforce the May 27, 2024, agreement. This includes the exchange of hostages and prisoners, and the restoration of permanent calm, leading to an enduring ceasefire. All measures from the first phase will continue into the second phase while negotiations are ongoing. The guarantors of this deal will work to ensure the continuation of negotiations until a final agreement is secured.
One of the key components of the agreement is the withdrawal of Israeli forces to the east from densely populated areas along the Gaza Strip border, including the Gaza Valley. The forces will redeploy within a 700-meter perimeter, with some exceptions, as determined by the Israeli side, based on mutually agreed maps annexed to the agreement.
The prisoner swap includes the release of 9 hostages in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences. Additionally, Israel will release 1,000 detainees from Gaza arrested on October 8, 2023, who were not involved in the incidents on October 7, 2023. Various additional arrangements are included for the release of elderly detainees and specific individuals.
Regarding the Philadelphi Corridor, the Israeli side will commence a drawdown during the first stage, with completion no later than day 50. The Rafah Crossing will be prepared to facilitate the transport of civilians and injured individuals, and will be recommissioned based on consultations with Egypt.
Civilian patients and wounded Palestinians will be allowed passage through the Rafah Crossing, while the return of unarmed internally displaced people is organized in accordance with previously agreed terms. Humanitarian assistance measures will be enforced under the oversight of mediators, following the humanitarian protocol outlined in the agreement.