What is the background of the ceasefire agreement?
The deal between Israel and Hamas, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, was reached on January 15, 2025, after more than 15 months of conflict. The agreement aims to halt the fighting in Gaza and secure the release of the hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7, 2023 attack. The ceasefire is structured in three phases. In the first, Hamas released 33 hostages, primarily women, children, and those over fifty years of age. Israel released hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, began withdrawing from highly populated areas, and allowed a significant increase in humanitarian aid into Gaza. The second phase outlines Hamas releasing the remaining male hostages and Israel withdrawing completely from Gaza. The third phase includes the return of the deceased hostages and the beginning of reconstruction efforts.
What are the recent developments in the ceasefire and hostage negotiations?
The ceasefire talks, originally scheduled for February 3, were delayed due to disagreements over the terms of the second phase. Israel demanded a complete demilitarization of Gaza, which Hamas and other Palestinian factions opposed. There were also concerns about the safety and condition of the remaining hostages, with Hamas accusing Israel of violating the ceasefire by not releasing all of the prisoners as initially promised. These issues led to a postponement of the negotiations, with both sides seeking more time to address their respective concerns.
Recent developments have seen Hamas announce they will release six living hostages this weekend, with indirect negotiations for the second phase of the deal also beginning this week. Qatar has reported a positive atmosphere for starting these negotiations, though Israel demands a full demilitarization of the Gaza Strip as a key part of the phase. As of now, nineteen Israeli captives and five Thai workers have been released in exchange for 1,135 Palestinian prisoners. The conflict has resulted in at least 48,300 Palestinian deaths and widespread devastation in Gaza. Over 400 members of the Israel Defense Forces have been killed and hundreds more injured.
What is Trump’s plan for Gaza?
In a move that sparked both international and domestic outcry, U.S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his proposal to depopulate Gaza and turn it into a “Riviera of the Middle East.” Trump’s plan, though lacking detailed policy, involves forcibly removing and relocating over two million Palestinians to neighboring countries, while the United States would take over the territory. Despite Trump’s assertion about relocating Palestinians to Egypt and Jordan, both nations have rejected this scenario, along with regional players Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. In addition to their relocation, Palestinians would not be allowed the right to return. The idea has been widely condemned as a potential crime and has faced fierce opposition from Palestinians, human rights groups, and regional powers.
What was the significance of Netanyahu’s visit to the United States?
Amidst these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the U.S. for the first time in Trump’s second term. During the visit, Trump reiterated his controversial plan for Gaza. Netanyahu, while not explicitly endorsing the plan, acknowledged Trump’s “fresh ideas” and emphasized the importance for finding a sustainable solution for Gaza. His visit included several high-profile meetings and public appearances, including a discussion with former Secretary of State Antony Blinken and other senior officials on the ceasefire agreement and broader regional security issues. During a joint press conference with Trump, Netanyahu expressed gratitude for the administration’s unwavering support of Israel and reiterated the importance of the U.S.-Israel alliance.
Additional reading:
Gaza ceasefire 2nd-phase negotiations begin this week – Israel
Despite ceasefire, Israel still destroying homes in Gaza
What we know about the Gaza ceasefire deal