Breakthrough in Gaza: Hamas and Israel Agree on a 6-Week Ceasefire Amidst Prisoner Swap Negotiations

By Hatem Mamdouh On Feb 3, 2024

In a significant development that rekindles hope for peace in the Middle East, Israel and Hamas have reached a preliminary agreement on a 6-week ceasefire in Gaza. This temporary truce comes as part of ongoing negotiations for a major prisoner exchange deal, signaling a potential thaw in the otherwise tense relations between the two sides.

Announcing a 6-week truce between Hamas and Israel

Sources close to the negotiations reveal that mediators have successfully proposed a ceasefire to Hamas, which has shown initial approval for a cessation of hostilities. Under the terms of the proposed truce, there will be a gradual release of 36 hostages held by Hamas, with one hostage to be freed daily.

⚡️Important clarification:

There is no agreement on a truce or ceasefire, and everything that was reported speaks of a “positive atmosphere. The matter is still in its early stages and there are many details for discussion and negotiation. It will take time. Any publication and…

— Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) February 1, 2024

The ceasefire proposal also addresses the demand by Hamas for the release of 3,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli custody. In a bid to fine-tune the agreement, Hamas has requested that the ceasefire agreement be structured in four phases instead of the initially proposed three.

Support for the ceasefire has come from the United States, urging Israel to accept the terms of the truce in Gaza. This international backing underscores the broader desire for stability and peace in the region.

A march for the families of prisoners in Tel Aviv – Reuters

The context of this ceasefire is particularly poignant, following a week-long truce in late November 2023, which facilitated the release of approximately 100 hostages taken by Hamas in a surprise attack on Israeli settlements and military bases on October 7th. That ceasefire saw the liberation of the hostages in exchange for Israel halting its military operations and releasing 240 Palestinian prisoners.

From the process of releasing prisoners held by Hamas as part of the exchange deal – Reuters

Despite these movements towards peace, Israeli authorities, under intense pressure from families of the captives, are faced with the challenge of securing the release of approximately 132 hostages still believed to be held in Gaza, 28 of whom are feared deceased.

This latest ceasefire agreement represents a hopeful step towards resolving the humanitarian issues at the heart of the Israel-Hamas conflict and sets the stage for further negotiations aimed at lasting peace.