Israel Announces Ceasefire in Gaza Strip

A ceasefire regime has come into effect between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas group in the Gaza Strip. This was announced by the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The ceasefire regime was established after Hamas provided Israel with a list of three hostages to be released today.

The initial phase of the ceasefire was scheduled to begin today at 8:30 AM (Armenian time 10:15 AM), but was delayed after Hamas postponed the delivery of the list of three female hostages. As a result, the Israel Defense Forces continued to strike targets in Gaza for the last two hours.

The ceasefire will last for 42 days. A buffer zone will be established 700 meters away from the border, potentially extending to 1100 meters in five locations. From a list of 33 hostages held by Hamas, 9 sick and injured individuals will be released in exchange for 110 Palestinian prisoners serving life sentences.

Israel will release 1000 prisoners from Gaza who did not participate in the events of October 7, 2023. Elderly hostages (aged 50 and above) will be exchanged in a ratio of three Palestinians serving life sentences or 27 other sentenced prisoners.

In total, Israel will free 1110 Palestinians in exchange for 33 of the 98 Israeli hostages held by Hamas. The Rafah border crossing, located at the border with Egypt, will be open for civilians and the transportation of the injured after the release of all women and children. Up to 50 injured militants can cross daily, accompanied by a maximum of three individuals.

Humanitarian aid supplies will increase to 600 trucks per day, including 50 with fuel. Palestinians will receive 200 thousand tents and 60 thousand mobile homes.

On the 16th day of the ceasefire, Israel and Hamas have committed to starting negotiations on the second phase of the deal. It is expected to involve the release of remaining hostages, a permanent cessation of hostilities, and the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops. The guarantors of the peace process are also discussing a third phase, which includes the exchange of remains, the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the end of its blockade.