What Could it Entail? – Sky Bulletin

Reports from CAIRO (AP) indicate that Israel and Hamas are close to finalizing a deal that could result in the release of some of the estimated 130 hostages from the Gaza Strip. This arrangement could also lead to a cessation of hostilities, which have been ongoing for five months.

According to U.S. President Joe Biden, the agreement could be implemented as soon as Monday, which is shortly before the onset of Ramadan on around March 10. This potential deal promises a period of relief for those in Gaza and for the Israelis who have suffered the loss of family members as hostages since the conflict that began with the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Details are beginning to emerge regarding the specifics of this potential agreement.

PROPOSED TERMS OF THE DEAL

A senior Egyptian official, involved in the mediation of the deal, has outlined that a six-week ceasefire could be established. During this period, Hamas would release up to 40 hostages, including primarily civilian women, a minimum of two children, and captives who are either elderly or ill. In return, Israel would free approximately 300 Palestinian prisoners from their jails.

The deal would also permit displaced Palestinians to return to some regions in northern Gaza, which has suffered significant damage due to the war. This movement back to their homes would take place with the support of increased aid deliveries—between 300 to 500 trucks daily—as facilitated by Israel. It is specified that these deliveries should not be targeted by Israeli forces, nor should the police escorts that accompany the trucks.

Nevertheless, both sides are currently emphasizing their differences, despite President Biden’s positive outlook and the ongoing negotiations in Qatar. The distance between their terms has previously hindered similar negotiations.

OBSTACLES TO THE AGREEMENT

The finer points, such as the inclusion of Israeli female soldiers in the initial hostage releases and the specific terms of Palestinian returns to northern Gaza, remain issues of contention. In addition, Israel demands cessation of rocket attacks and the non-use of vacated territories for future attacks by Hamas. These hurdles are yet to be overcome.

The future of Rafah, a town on the southern border of Gaza, is also part of the discussions, given the significant number of evacuees currently residing there.

FUTURE NEGOTIATIONS

The temporary ceasefire will also be a time to negotiate for the extension of the deal, including the release of all female soldiers, and introducing discussions on the release of male soldiers, with Hamas likely asking for significant concessions in return.

Moreover, the U.S. is hoping to use this deal as a stepping stone towards the political restructuring of Gaza and the eventual establishment of a Palestinian state, although Israel maintains that it wants to retain security control within Gaza without external imposition of statehood.

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Goldenberg reported from Jerusalem, with contributions from Josef Federman also in Jerusalem.