National Telescope national telescope newspaper
By: Ekpenyong Emmanuel
After months of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have finally reached a ceasefire and hostage release agreement, facilitated by Qatar’s prime minister.
This development marks a significant step towards peace in the region, although the Israeli prime minister’s office notes that “several unresolved clauses” remain ¹.
The agreement outlines a three-phase plan, with the initial six weeks focusing on the exchange of 33 hostages held by Hamas for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
The second phase, commencing two weeks later, will address the release of remaining hostages, Israeli troop withdrawal, and establishing a “sustainable calm.”
The final phase will focus on Gaza’s reconstruction and the return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.
US President-elect Donald Trump announced the deal on social media, stating,
“We have a deal for the hostages in the Middle East.” While this breakthrough is a welcome relief, the agreement must still overcome several procedural hurdles, including approval from the Israeli cabinet and the publication of Palestinian prisoners’ names for release.
The conflict has had a devastating impact on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, with over 46,700 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Israel maintains that Hamas still holds 94 hostages, 34 of whom are presumed dead.
As the international community awaits the formal announcement of the deal, hopes are high that this ceasefire will mark the beginning of a lasting peace in the region.
