Ceasefire agreements are a critical component of conflict resolution, offering a pathway towards lasting peace in regions affected by violence. They can include a number of elements including the cessation of hostilities, the withdrawal of troops, the establishment of buffer zones and demilitarized areas, and monitoring and verification mechanisms. This article examines the context, key components, and challenges of ceasefire agreements, highlighting lessons learned from history and the present.
Israel and Hamas have reached a framework agreement for a multi-phase truce, with a first stage that is expected to last 50 days. During this time, Israel and Hamas will work to rebuild Gaza’s destroyed homes and provide electricity and gas for its residents, as well as reopen hospitals and bakeries. According to Qatar’s Foreign Minister, Abdullah al-Thani, Hamas will also release 33 of its captured Israeli civilians, including female soldiers.
The second phase will include discussions about the long-term future of Gaza and how its governance should be arranged, and how broader disagreements can be resolved later. The US envoy facilitating the talks, Steve Witkoff, has reportedly said that the second phase may be delayed if there is no progress made during the first stage.
Witkoff has been praised for his role in negotiating the deal, and for pushing Israel to agree to it in the face of significant political pressure and public threats. It is, however, worth noting that he was insistent that he meet with Netanyahu on Saturday, which is the Jewish Sabbath and a day when most politicians avoid meetings that are not urgent. This was a clear indication of the importance of this agreement to Netanyahu and of his desire to secure its benefits ahead of Trump’s arrival in office.
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