Israel and Hamas Reach Historic Ceasefire Agreement: Details, Timeline, and International Response

In a significant breakthrough, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a temporary ceasefire, marking the first major diplomatic progress since the conflict erupted on October 7. The agreement involves the release of 50 hostages by Hamas in exchange for 150 Palestinians. A senior US official confirmed the deal, telling reporters that the freed captives would include three Americans, one of whom was a three-year-old daughter.

According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, around 12,000 Palestinians have been killed as a result of Israel's offensive. The ministry stated that it had lost the ability to tally the dead as of Nov. 11 due to the collapse of large portions of the health system, but that the number had climbed sharply since then. Some 2,700 people are still missing and presumed to be buried beneath the rubble, and hospitals have continued to report deaths from daily hits, frequently dozens at a time.

Details of the Deal

The ceasefire spans four days, during which 50 women and children under 19, taken hostage by Hamas in the October 7 raid on Israel, will be released. In return, Israel will release 150 Palestinian women and teenagers from its detention. The hostage release is expected to occur in batches, with approximately a dozen hostages freed each day during the ceasefire. The deal is described as a "humanitarian pause," and any extension will be tied to the release of additional batches of hostages.Additional terms include a halt to air traffic over parts of Gaza, freedom of movement along Salah al-Din Street, and a commitment by Israel not to attack or arrest individuals in Gaza during the truce.

Implementation Timeline

Hostage releases are set to commence approximately 24 hours after final approval, with the first exchange possibly taking place today. The International Committee of the Red Cross is ready to assist in facilitating the hostage swap, with transportation through Egypt, the only country apart from Israel sharing a border with Gaza. The Israeli Cabinet approved the deal with a 35-3 vote, with ministers from the extreme right-wing Otzma Yehudit party voting against it.

Players Involved in Negotiations

The agreement follows weeks of Qatari-led negotiations, with indirect involvement from the US and Egypt. US President Joe Biden acknowledged the deal, commending Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu's commitment to the pause and the provision of humanitarian aid.

International Response - PM Modi at G20

On November 22, 2023, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized zero tolerance for terrorism in his concluding remarks at the virtual G20 Summit. He expressed disapproval of the killing of innocents, especially children and women, in the context of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Who settled the Deal?

Qatar had a significant role in mediating the situation. Hamas has a political office in Doha, and the Qatari government has maintained communication channels with Israel, despite the fact that, unlike several other Gulf Arab states, Qatar has not normalised relations with Israel. In the weeks preceding up to the agreement, US President Joe Biden held phone discussions with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Egypt, the first Arab state to sign a peace treaty with Israel and a longtime mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, also participated.

Background and Context

Qatar played a significant role in mediating, leveraging its diplomatic ties with both Hamas and Israel. The United States and Egypt, historically involved in mediating Israeli-Palestinian conflicts, played crucial roles in facilitating the negotiations.
The Qatari negotiator started early on Wednesday that the start date of the truce would be revealed within 24 hours.Israel postponed the commencement to allow time for its Supreme Court to examine a challenge to the agreement filed by those who claim a truce is too much of a concession to Hamas. A court decision is unlikely to derail the merger.

Deal Execution and Challenges

• The ceasefire's start time is expected to be announced within 24 hours, with a potential start date of November 23, 2023.
• Implementation involves the International Committee of the Red Cross working in Gaza, aided by the transportation of hostages through Egypt.
• The negotiations faced challenges, with a delay in the start to allow Israel's Supreme Court to address challenges to the deal, although a ruling is not anticipated to derail the agreement.

Hostages and Prisoners

Hamas has not released a full list of hostages, but among the 50 released are three US citizens. Israel provided a list of around 300 Palestinian prisoners for potential release, mostly from the West Bank and Jerusalem, held for various charges. The deal involves a phased release of prisoners, with buses transporting them to the Palestinian Authority headquarters.

Why Negotiations Took Time?

• The announcement comes 46 days after the conflict's onset, marked by intense fighting and a high casualty toll.
• Communication challenges, with negotiations going through intermediaries in Doha or Cairo, contributed to the slow progress.
• The temporary nature of the ceasefire is emphasized, with Hamas maintaining readiness, and Israel insisting on the resolution of all hostage-related issues.

In summary, the ceasefire deal represents a notable diplomatic breakthrough in the Israel-Hamas conflict, achieved through intensive international mediation and addressing complex humanitarian and political challenges.