The much-anticipated ceasefire agreement and hostage release deal between Hamas and Israel are set to take effect early Sunday morning, according to Qatar’s foreign ministry. Scheduled to begin at 1:30 a.m. EST (8:30 a.m. local time in Gaza), the agreement marks a critical, albeit tentative, step toward ending the devastating 15-month conflict between the two sides. However, last-minute tensions and warnings from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have cast uncertainty over the deal.
Ceasefire Details and Hostage Exchange Plans The agreement, facilitated by Qatar and described in a draft viewed by CBS News, outlines a three-phase plan spanning 42 days each. The first phase involves Hamas releasing 33 hostages—women, children, and individuals over 50 years old—in exchange for 1,900 Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Among the prisoners to be released are 1,167 Gaza residents not involved in the October 2023 attacks. During the second phase, negotiations will focus on releasing all remaining hostages, including Israeli male soldiers. A third phase will address the exchange of deceased hostages and the reconstruction of Gaza.
The plan also stipulates a temporary cessation of hostilities to facilitate humanitarian aid delivery and allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. Israeli troops are expected to retreat into a buffer zone approximately 0.6 miles wide inside Gaza during the first phase.
Netanyahu’s Warnings and Delays Hours before the ceasefire’s planned implementation, Netanyahu issued a stern warning, stating that Israel would not proceed with the agreement unless Hamas provided the names of the hostages slated for release. “Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement,” he declared, placing full responsibility on Hamas. As of late Saturday, Hamas and Qatar had not responded publicly to Netanyahu’s demands, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the deal.
In his address, Netanyahu emphasized that the ceasefire is only temporary and reaffirmed Israel’s right to resume military operations if necessary. He claimed to have the support of President-elect Donald Trump, with whom he reportedly discussed the agreement earlier in the week.
Humanitarian Crisis and Continued Violence Despite the ceasefire announcement, violence persisted. On Saturday, Israel’s military intercepted projectiles launched from Yemen by the Iran-backed Houthi group, which has intensified attacks in recent weeks in solidarity with Gaza. Meanwhile, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza reportedly killed at least 23 people on Friday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the ceasefire and the deep-seated tensions between the two sides.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza remains dire, with more than 46,000 Palestinians killed since the conflict began, according to local health officials. Over half of the fatalities are believed to be women and children. The territory’s infrastructure has been devastated, leaving the majority of Gaza’s population displaced and living in makeshift camps. Aid deliveries have been slow and insufficient, with trucks lined up at the Rafah border crossing awaiting clearance to enter Gaza.
International Mediation and Reactions Qatar has played a pivotal role in mediating the ceasefire agreement. Qatar’s foreign minister, Majid al-Ansari, urged caution as the ceasefire takes effect, advising people to follow official directives. The agreement also includes measures to evacuate wounded Palestinians to Egypt for medical treatment.
President Biden welcomed the deal earlier in the week, expressing hope that Americans held hostage would be among those released in the initial phase. However, he did not provide specifics about their identities or timelines for their release.
Public Sentiment and Ongoing Challenges The agreement has elicited mixed emotions from families of hostages and the broader public. Eli David, whose brother Eyvatar has been held captive since October 2023, expressed both hope and frustration. “If they have a heart, if they can feel empathy, just send him a message,” he said, addressing Hamas. “We are fighting for him and know he’s coming back home.”
Meanwhile, displaced Palestinians in Gaza expressed cautious optimism about returning to their homes, despite the widespread destruction. One resident told CBS News, “We hope by the name of God that today is the last day of war.”
Historical Context and Future Prospects The conflict erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a deadly cross-border attack into Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages. Israel’s subsequent military response has been one of the deadliest in the region’s history. Nearly 100 hostages are believed to remain in Gaza, with reports suggesting that some have died in captivity.
As the ceasefire looms, the international community watches with cautious hope that this fragile agreement can pave the way for lasting peace. However, with continued violence and deep-seated animosities, the path forward remains fraught with challenges.
