Peace in Gaza: Ceasefire in effect, but Israel changes list of prisoners to be released

As peace negotiations continue, the conflict in the Middle East comes to a head. day 735 since the massive attack of October 7, 2023Israeli troops withdrew from Gaza after the agreement with Hamas was approved overnight. “for the truce and to free all hostages from captivity in Gaza”Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said: "We are tightening our grip on Hamas from all sides in preparation for the next stages of the plan, which provides for its complete disarmament and the demilitarization of Gaza. If this is achieved peacefully, so much the better. If not, it will be achieved by force.”.

The ceasefire came into effect immediately as per the document signed in Egypt on Thursday morning, while US President Donald Trump announced: “Hostages free on Monday or Tuesday”.

Release of hostages and prisoners

According to the agreement, Hamas has 72 hours of time starting from the entry into force of the agreement to release the hostages. Netanyahu confirmed that 20 of them are still alive, while 28 are dead.. “We will work to locate all deceased hostages as soon as possible and return them to Israel for burial.”, declared the Israeli Prime Minister.

Israel will release only after all hostages have been handed over, 250 Palestinian prisoners sentenced to life imprisonment e 1.700 Gazans detained after the tragic attack on October 7, 2023The army will retreat along the second agreed-upon line. However, Netanyahu warned: “The army will remain until Hamas is completely disarmed, otherwise there will be war again.”.

Changes to the prisoner list

Last-minute changes to the list of prisoners to be released have been approved by the Israeli government.According to the Times of Israel, 11 Fatah-affiliated prisoners were replaced with 11 Hamas-affiliated prisoners, among which Mahmoud Issa, detained since 1993 for his role in the death of Israeli policeman Nissim Toledano.

Talks for the second phase of the Trump plan, called “the day after”, have been scheduled for 13:00 PM local time. Prime Minister Netanyahu and American envoys will participate. Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner and the commander of the US Central Command, Admiral Brad Cooper.

The meeting will define the disarmament of Hamas, the demilitarization of the Strip and the establishment of an inter-Arab task force, in addition to the arrival of 200 American soldiers who will oversee the implementation of the agreement.

From Sunday 12 October, approximately 600 trucks a day will enter Gaza from alternative crossings to Rafah. The passage of personnel will not be limited to serious clinical cases, but will be extended to anyone who wishes, subject to prior agreement between Israel and Egypt.

Hamas leader in exile, Khalil Al-Hayya, he said he received guarantees from the United States and the mediators on the end of the warDespite this, the Israeli government remains internally divided, with opposition from far-right leaders. Ben Gvir and Smotrich and three other ministers.

The agreement represents a first step towards peace in the Gaza Strip, but caution remains: both parties, although they have accepted the 20 principles of the plan, they could cling to loopholes during the practical implementation of the agreements.