Cairo, Oct 9 (AP) - Israel and Hamas have reached the first phase of a peace plan for Gaza, initiating a pause in hostilities and agreeing to exchange the remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners. The news was met with cautious optimism by Palestinians on Thursday, hinting at a potential resolution to the ongoing two-year conflict.
Unresolved issues, such as the disarming of Hamas and the future governance of Gaza, complicate the plan proposed by the administration of US President Donald Trump. However, both parties seem closer to ending a war which has claimed tens of thousands of Palestinian lives, devastated Gaza, induced famine, and ignited conflicts across the Middle East.
Originating from a deadly Hamas assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, the war has led to global protests, increasingly isolating Israel and drawing accusations of genocide, which Israel denies.
Despite the anticipated signing of the agreement later in the day, Israeli strikes persisted, and explosions were observed in Northern Gaza on Thursday morning. Reports on damages or casualties were not immediately available. The Israeli military, having not commented on the strikes, earlier announced preparations for the ceasefire's implementation and plans for an "adjusted deployment line."
Alaa Abd Rabbo, a displaced resident originally from Northern Gaza now in Deir al-Balah, called the agreement “a godsend,” expressing a yearning to return home. In Tel Aviv, families of hostages celebrated the announcement with champagne and tears of relief.
Trump, expressing his sentiments on social media, emphasized the imminent release of all hostages and outlined Israel's military withdrawal as a primary step toward "Strong, Durable, and Everlasting Peace." He assured fair treatment for all parties involved. According to sources, Hamas intends to free all 20 living hostages in the coming days, while Israel will commence withdrawal from much of Gaza.
Discussing the breakthrough on Fox News, Trump hinted at hostages' release possibly starting Monday, after indirect talks in Egypt bore fruit during their third day. Celebrating on social media, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after Trump's announcement, conveyed hope for the hostages' return, planning to convene the government to approve the deal.
Reacting to the news with mixed emotions, far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed concern over releasing future "terrorist leaders" while welcoming the hostages' return. He asserted the necessity of continuing efforts against Hamas and achieving Gaza's demilitarization post-hostage release.
Hamas called upon Trump and mediators to guarantee Israel's adherence to troop withdrawals, aid admissions, and prisoner exchanges. Skeptical, Ahmed al-Farra, a senior pediatrician from Khan Yunis' Nasser Hospital, albeit hopeful, expressed doubt regarding Israel's compliance.
Trump’s peace plan proposes immediate ceasefire and release of the 48 hostages from Hamas' 2023 attack, where 1,200 were killed, and 251 taken hostage. Presently, Israel confirms around 20 hostages remain alive. The plan suggests Israel maintains a military presence in Gaza near its border, with an international security force principally from Arab and Muslim nations handling internal security, and the US spearheading an international Gaza reconstruction project.
The plan hints at a possible future role for the Palestinian Authority, which Netanyahu opposes, requiring extensive reforms within the Authority overseeing the West Bank. The vision of a future Palestinian state remains vague, with Netanyahu’s firm rejection persisting.
Although details are yet to be finalized, both Palestinians and Israelis felt relief at the progress. Palestinian Ahmed Sheheiber, displaced from Northern Gaza, recounted his yearning for the ceasefire's effectivity to return to his Jabaliya refugee camp home. Meanwhile, hostages' families celebrated in Tel Aviv's central square.
Einav Zangauker, mother of Israeli captive Matan Zangauker, anxiously dreams of her son sleeping in his own bed, echoing the collective yearning for an end to hostilities. This proposed ceasefire marks the third since the conflict’s inception.
Previous ceasefires in November 2023 and January this year resulted in hostage releases and prisoner exchanges, with Israel terminating the second ceasefire with unexpected bombardment in March.
In a Gaza teetering on ruins, desperation looms for a resolution. Thousands residing in makeshift shelters along Gaza's central coast amidst ongoing conflict anticipate respite. With casualty figures exceeding 67,000 and injuries near 170,000—most estimates coming from the United Nations and Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry—details paint a harrowing picture.
Ayman Saber, resident of Khan Younis, expressed intent to return and reconstruct his home, destroyed by an Israeli strike. “We will rebuild Gaza,” he professed.
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