Qatar Announces Ceasefire in Gaza Starting Sunday

Doha: Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani announced on Wednesday evening that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Hamas and Israel and prisoner exchange, following 467 days of Israeli war on Gaza. Al Thani stated that efforts are underway to complete all necessary executive procedures by tonight, after which internal procedures will be initiated by the Israeli government. The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday, January 19.

According to Jordan News Agency, the first phase of the agreement, lasting 42 days, will involve a ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, with troops repositioned along the borders. The phase will also include the exchange of prisoners and detainees through a defined mechanism, the return of displaced Gazans to their homes and allowing the sick and wounded to seek medical treatment.

The first phase will focus on increasing the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, ensuring its safe and efficient distribution, rehabilitating hospitals and health centres, providing fuel and supplies for civil defence and assisting displaced people who lost their homes due to the conflict. Under the agreement, Hamas will release 33 Israeli detainees, including women, soldiers, children, elderly, sick and injured individuals, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

Regarding the second and third phases, Al Thani noted that these will be determined during the implementation of the first phase. He stressed the importance of both parties fully committing to the agreement in its entirety, to prevent further civilian casualties, avoid the escalation of the conflict and pave the way for a just and sustainable peace.