In a historic development, Israel and Hamas have agreed for Gaza Ceasefire deal, according to media reports.
Reports suggest that ceasefire took effect today and that the exchange of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners will take place in next couple of days.
United States President Donald Trump announced the breakthrough on social media. He said Israel and Hamas agreed to the first phase of the peace deal.
Both sides agreed for the swap of Israeli captives and Palestinian prisoners. Two sides signed the agreement after three-day negotiations in Egypt. Turkey, Egypt and Qatar have mediated talks. The agreement signed following Trump’s 20-point plan.
AlJazeera reported Palestinians expressing joy after hearing about the ceasefire development. United Nations, UNICEF, China, Spain, Italy and Muslim World have welcomed the agreement. France said it will continue efforts to seek the political solution to the issue. Beijing hoped for permanent and comprehensive deal.
BBC quoted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as calling the deal a great day for Israel. Tel Aviv says there are 48 hostages still held in Gaza and 20 of whom are believed to be alive.
Fears:
However, Times of Israel quoted Israeli government officials as saying that ceasefire deal will take effect when the cabinet will okay the deal. Hamas said that Israeli forces must leave Gaza before hostages’ release. The newspaper has referred to the statement of senior Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi.
Mardawi has expressed fear that by showing disagreements over prisoners release, Israeli PM is threatening to derail the deal.
Hamas official wrote on X: “It seems Netanyahu is trying to sabotage the ceasefire agreement before its implementation, by reneging on prisoner release lists in an attempt to derail the understandings. He said that “the lack of agreement on the prisoners exposes Israel’s unreliability regarding troop withdrawals, reconstruction and the reopening of crossings in and out of the Strip.”
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