Sharm el-sheikh: The Gaza ceasefire deal between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas is set to be officially signed in a ceremony at noon local time (0900GMT) in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh on Thursday. The agreement, according to Israeli media, marks a significant step towards peace in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the Israeli Channel 14 reported that an official signing ceremony will take place, initiating the process of prisoner exchange between the two sides within 72 hours. Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the timing of the ceasefire's commencement, with some media outlets suggesting it will start immediately after the signing, while others indicate a 72-hour delay.
Israel's Foreign Ministry announced through the social media platform X that the Security Cabinet will convene at 3 pm (1200GMT) to approve the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for living hostages as part of the plan's first phase. Following this meeting, the government will hold further discussions but will not ratify all the deal terms at this stage.
Upon governmental approval, the Israeli army is set to withdraw to a pre-agreed line with Hamas within 24 hours. However, they will maintain control over 53% of Gaza. The Israeli daily Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the release of 20 living hostages is anticipated in a single phase, while Hamas has indicated that the whereabouts of nine out of 28 bodies remain unknown.
US President Donald Trump assured the families of Israeli hostages that all hostages would be released by October 13. However, it remains unclear if this includes the deceased. Israeli Channel 12 mentioned that hostages would be released within 72 hours after Cabinet endorsement, and 600 aid trucks are expected to enter Gaza daily.
The Times of Israel, quoting Hamas sources, noted that approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be released as part of the deal, which includes 250 serving life sentences and 1,700 detained since the conflict began. The deal stipulates phased Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, medical transfers of injured Palestinians to Egypt, and the return of displaced Palestinians from southern to northern Gaza.
Since October 2023, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of nearly 67,200 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, leaving the enclave uninhabitable.