US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire-for-hostages deal that will end over 15 months of fighting. The historic agreement is structured in three distinct phases. It includes a full ceasefire, Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza, and the release of hostages, including American citizens.
In his farewell address from the Oval Office, Biden emphasized that the deal was negotiated by his administration with key support from an envoy of Donald Trump’s successor. He also highlighted that the agreement largely reflects the framework of a proposal Biden made back in May. He stated that the incoming administration would largely implement this deal. Biden ensured that his team kept the incoming leadership fully informed. Let’s find out what was 3 Phase Gaza Deal.
First Phase: Ceasefire and Hostage Release
The six-week first phase of the deal was outlined by Biden. This first phase will have a complete and immediate ceasefire in place. The hostages held by Hamas, with the initial release being women, the elderly, and the sick, will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Biden did not specify the number of hostages set for release. However, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani has already confirmed the release of 33 individuals.
The pulling out of Israeli forces from all populated areas within Gaza will also happen. That will enable Palestinians to go back to their homes. Biden made clear that while these negotiations continue, that ceasefire would last. Authorities will increase humanitarian aid for Gaza, allowing hundreds of lorries into the region daily.
The President assured that if talks for the subsequent stages exceed six weeks, the ceasefire will be prolonged. This stage holds importance as Israeli evacuation orders, military attacks, and ground battles have drastically affected Gaza’s population of 2.3 million.
Second Stage: Final End to the War
Biden then explained that the second phase would bring a permanent end to the conflict. In exchange for the remaining hostages, including men, Israel will release more Palestinian prisoners. All remaining Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza, and the temporary ceasefire will be converted into a permanent one.
According to the Palestinian officials, detailed negotiations will begin for the second and third phases. This will be after 16 days of the ceasefire. Hamas had taken 251 hostages during the October 7 attack. While 94 are believed to be still in captivity, Israel believes only 60 of them are alive. Israel will release around 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages.
Third Phase: Reconstruction of Gaza
The final chapter of the agreement focuses on reconstructing Gaza, with expectations that the process will take years. The agreement ensures that families receive the remains of those who were taken and killed. “Those who followed the negotiations, can attest how the road hasn’t been that easy” Biden said. This is one of the toughest negotiations I have ever experienced, and I reached this point because of the pressure that Israel built on Hamas, with strong support from the US.
The third stage will be vital in reconstructing Gaza, as it has witnessed severe damage for such a long time during this war. He commended the efforts of the parties who managed to bring this agreement into effect, and it was one huge step forward on the road towards peace.
US Diplomacy at Work
The announcement of Biden is a significant diplomatic success, showing US leadership in the brokering of peace and opening up a way forward for Gaza. The negotiations have been complex and challenging, aiming to bring an end to the long-standing violence through the ceasefire and hostage exchange. The hope is that this agreement will pave the way for recovery and reconciliation for all parties involved.
