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Gaza, 15 Months Later: The Hostage Decision and the Truce. The Israel-Hamas Deal Takes Shape

After 15 months of conflict, Israel and Hamas appear close to a deal: 33 hostages could be freed in exchange for 1.300 Palestinian prisoners. On the road to decisive talks in Doha and an imminent truce.

Gaza, 15 Months Later: The Hostage Decision and the Truce. The Israel-Hamas Deal Takes Shape

After 15 months of conflict devastating and uncertainties, Negotiations between Israel and Hamas appear to be nearing a turning pointa, raising new hopes for the release of the hostages and an end to hostilities in the Gaza Strip.

Negotiations and agreements in Qatar

The negotiations, hosted in Doha, saw aintense diplomatic activity. Overnight, U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, Qatari Emir al-Thani and Mossad chief David Barnea worked to finalize a draft agreement. Israel declared the proposal “widely acceptable“, while the final decision will depend on Hamas leader Mohammad Sinwar.

Pressure from Washington, Qatar and Türkiye on Hamas appears to have reached its peak, with the aim of securing the Release of 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for the 1.300 Palestinian prisoners released, captured in the initial phase of the conflict.

The plan divided into phases: truce and release

The agreement provides for a 42-day truce and a gradual release of hostages, starting from the so-called "humanitarian cases" - women, children, wounded and elderly. It was also communicated that this first phase will be followed by new negotiations to free more hostages and return the bodies of victims of the conflict. Israel has excluding the release of some high-profile prisoners, such as Marwan Barghouti, leader of the Intifada or the military who participated in the attack on October 7, 2023.

The controversy over the future government

Despite progress, significant obstacles remain. Israel insists on maintaining a larger buffer zone along the Gaza border and in ensuring a military presence during and after the truce. Furthermore, it remains the future question of the governance of Gaza remains unresolved. Israel not only rejects the return of Hamas to power, it also rules out the possibility of involving the Palestinian National Authority. On the contrary, the International Community Believes Gaza Should Be Ruled by Palestinians themselves.

The humanitarian crisis still ongoing

Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip remains dire. Already limited humanitarian aid continues to be looted, and local infrastructure is collapsing. While the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu prepares meeting with hostages' families, the international community eagerly awaits the formal announcement of the agreement.

Gaza, 15 mesi dopo: la decisione sugli ostaggi e la tregua. L'accordo tra Israele e Hamas prende forma

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