Ceasefire Agreement Reached Between Israel and Hamas to End 15-Month Conflict

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A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has officially come into effect, marking a significant pause in a conflict that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians over the past 15 months. The deal, facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, aims to enable the release of hostages taken during the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in exchange for the freedom of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.

In the first phase of the agreement, 33 hostages will be released over six weeks, with a schedule for their return including three hostages on the first day, four on the seventh day, and the remaining over the following weeks. Israel, in return, will release 737 Palestinian prisoners during this initial stage.

Additionally, the agreement entails a gradual withdrawal of Israeli forces from certain areas of Gaza and a concerted effort to increase humanitarian aid to the region, where devastation has been widespread. The deal stipulates that 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid, including food and medical supplies, will enter Gaza daily, subject to Israeli inspections.

Negotiations for a second phase are set to commence after the first 16 days of the ceasefire, with expectations of further releases of hostages and a potential permanent cessation of hostilities. However, Israel has indicated that it will not agree to a complete withdrawal of troops until Hamas's military capabilities are neutralized.

The third phase is anticipated to focus on returning the remains of deceased hostages and initiating reconstruction efforts in Gaza, supervised by international entities including Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.

While the ceasefire has been welcomed, uncertainties remain about the future governance of Gaza and the long-term implications for the ongoing conflict in the region.

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