Ceasefire Deal Resumes After Last-Minute Crisis Resolved

Clear Facts

• The Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage exchange deal, initially delayed due to a “last-minute crisis,” has been resolved and is set to proceed on Sunday.
• Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cited a “last-minute blackmail attempt” by Hamas as the reason for the delay, but these issues have now been addressed.
• The agreement involves a six-week ceasefire, the release of hostages, and a phased withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, with humanitarian aid to follow.

In a significant development, the ceasefire and hostage exchange deal between Israel and Hamas is back on track after overcoming a “last-minute crisis.” This resolution comes after a tense period of negotiations and accusations, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu initially halting the deal due to alleged last-minute demands from Hamas.

“A few minutes ago I received a final announcement that all obstacles have been overcome and the deal is underway,” stated Aryeh Deri, chairman of the Shas party in the Knesset. This statement marks a turning point in the negotiations, which had been fraught with challenges.

The deal, which is expected to be implemented on Sunday, faced a setback when Netanyahu accused Hamas of a “last-minute blackmail attempt.” This accusation led to a delay in the security cabinet vote, highlighting the complexities involved in reaching an agreement with the terrorist group.

Netanyahu’s office emphasized the importance of Hamas approving all details of the agreement before any further steps could be taken. “Israel will not set a date for a cabinet and government meeting until the mediators announce that Hamas has approved all the details of the agreement,” the office declared.

Despite these challenges, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence in the deal’s progression. “I am confident, and I fully expect that implementation will begin, as we said, on Sunday,” Blinken assured during a news conference.

The agreement outlines a six-week initial ceasefire, a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and the release of 33 hostages. The plan also includes a significant increase in humanitarian aid for the Gaza Strip, which has been devastated by ongoing conflict.

Mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have played crucial roles in facilitating discussions, with Qatar noting that the parties were at the “closest point” yet to reaching an agreement. The deal is structured in three phases, with the first involving the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.

The second phase would see the release of remaining hostages, primarily male soldiers, in return for further prisoner exchanges and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. The final phase involves a long-term plan to rebuild Gaza.

As the deal moves forward, former President Donald Trump has issued a stern warning to Hamas, stating there would be “hell to pay” if the hostages are not released. Currently, Hamas holds nearly 100 hostages, including seven Americans, following their 2023 attack on Israel.

This agreement, if successfully implemented, could mark a significant step towards peace in the region, though challenges remain as both sides navigate the complexities of the ceasefire and hostage exchange.

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