Doha: The State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, and the United States of America have announced that the conflicting parties in Gaza have reached an agreement to exchange hostages and prisoners, aiming to restore sustainable calm and achieve a permanent ceasefire.
According to Qatar News Agency, the agreement is set to take effect on January 19, 2025, and will be implemented in three stages. The initial stage, lasting 42 days, involves a ceasefire, the withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, the release of hostages and prisoners, the exchange of remains of the deceased, the return of internally displaced persons to their homes in Gaza, and the facilitation of medical treatment for patients and the wounded.
This stage also focuses on enhancing the distribution of humanitarian aid throughout Gaza, rehabilitating healthcare facilities, and providing essential supplies such as civil defense materials, fuel, and shelter for those who lost their homes.
Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, as guarantors of the agreement, emphasize their commitment to ensuring all stages are fully executed by both parties. The mediators will collaborate to guarantee compliance with the agreement and the continuity of its stages.
Additionally, the guarantors will coordinate with the UN, assistance providers, and global partners to support the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. They urge other nations to join and support these efforts through established mechanisms to aid in the agreement’s implementation.
