Peace Plan Details Emerge as Israel and Hamas Reach Agreement
Following the announcement of a peace agreement between Israel and Hamas to end the conflict in Gaza, details of the plan have been released. The agreement, ratified Thursday evening, outlines a phased withdrawal of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and the release of remaining hostages held by Hamas since October 7, 2023.
Under the terms of the agreement, the IDF will have 24 hours to withdraw to newly designated deployment lines. These boundaries, however, ensure that the IDF retains control over a significant portion of the Gaza Strip, roughly 53% of the territory. This control is primarily focused on areas outside of urban centers.
Specifically, Israel will maintain control over a buffer zone along the Gaza border, including the Philadelphi Corridor along the Egypt-Gaza border, as well as the northern Gaza towns of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahiya. Control will also extend to a ridge near Gaza City’s eastern outskirts and significant areas of Rafah and Khan Younis in the south.
Within 72 hours of the IDF’s withdrawal, Hamas is expected to begin the process of releasing the remaining hostages. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office estimates that 20 of the 48 hostages are still alive.
Concerns have been raised regarding Hamas’s ability to locate and hand over all of the hostages promptly, including those who may have died in captivity.
The logistics of the hostage release remain somewhat unclear. The current understanding is that living hostages will be handed over to representatives of the Red Cross. Unlike previous releases, there will be no public ceremony. The Red Cross will transport the released individuals to IDF troops waiting inside Gaza.
IDF troops will then escort the rescued hostages to Camp Re’im, a military base near the Gaza border. The IDF has reportedly finalized preparations to receive both living and deceased hostages.
A memorial ceremony will be held for the fallen hostages, led by a military rabbi. Following the ceremony, the remains of civilian hostages will be transferred to the Abu Kabir Forensic Institute for identification, a process that could take up to two days. The remains of fallen soldiers will be taken to the IDF’s Shura Camp for identification.
This agreement represents a step towards de-escalation and a potential return to stability in the region. It is crucial that all parties involved adhere to the terms of the agreement to ensure the safe return of the hostages and a lasting peace for the people of Israel.
