Israel-Hamas Cease-fire and Hostage Release Deal: Key Details

A landmark ceasefire and hostage release agreement between Israel and Hamas has been finalized, marking a significant development in the ongoing conflict that began October 7, 2023. Approved by Israel’s security and regular cabinets, the deal, brokered through extensive US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediation, takes effect Sunday, with the initial release of three hostages.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed gratitude to US President Biden and President-elect Trump for their contributions to the negotiations. Netanyahu lauded Biden’s commitment and praised Trump’s stance against Gaza serving as a terrorist haven. 

Trump, in a podcast interview, asserted his involvement expedited the process, claiming to have significantly altered its trajectory.

The agreement’s first phase involves Hamas releasing 33 hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and those with urgent medical needs. This group includes Rumi Gonen, abducted from the Nova music festival, and Shiri Bibas with her two young sons. Families have been informed of the initial releases; subsequent phases’ details will be provided 24 hours beforehand.

Of the initial three hostages, only two—Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen—are included in this first phase. Sagui’s wife recently gave birth while he was held captive. Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander is notably absent from the initial release.

Richard Goldberg, a senior FDD advisor and former Trump NSC official, cautioned last week that excluding Alexander from the initial release would represent a significant strategic misstep.

In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, including minors, women, and those with health concerns. Notable releases include Nawal Abd Fattah, convicted of attempted stabbing in 2020, and Ibrahim Zmar, involved in a 2023 Jerusalem shooting. Those convicted of leading major terror attacks are excluded.

The agreement ensures released prisoners cannot be rearrested for the same offenses and are exempt from signing declarations upon release. Each woman or child hostage corresponds to the release of 30 Palestinian prisoners; soldiers’ releases require 30 life sentences and 20 long-term sentences.

The deal also facilitates humanitarian aid, allowing 600 trucks of supplies into Gaza daily. Displaced Gazans will be permitted to return to northern areas by day 22, with vehicle inspections limited under Qatari-Egyptian supervision. The Israeli military will reduce its presence in certain areas, maintaining control of key routes.

The release schedule starts with three hostages on day one, followed by four on day seven. Over five weeks, groups of three will be released weekly until day 35. Days 35-42 see 12 more hostages freed, including long-term captives Avera Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed.

Negotiations for phase two, commencing on day 16, will focus on the release of young men, soldiers, and the return of bodies. Starting on day 43, this 42-day phase will address the remaining captives.

“When phase two begins, there will be an exchange for the remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, and all remaining Israeli forces will be withdrawn from Gaza, making the temporary cease-fire permanent,” a spokesperson stated Wednesday. Phase three will involve returning the remains of deceased hostages and initiating Gaza’s reconstruction.

Netanyahu, during a cabinet meeting, stressed that discussions with President Biden and President-elect Trump made clear: failure in phase two negotiations will result in the resumption of military operations.

In the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reiterated this, adding, “President Trump made a decision that upon his assumption of office we will receive back all the weapons that were frozen. This is important because if we do not reach stage B we will have additional tools to return to fight. He [President Trump] gives full backing to return to war in case of violation of the agreement.”

For families of hostages, the agreement is bittersweet. Ronen and Orna Neutra, whose child was killed by Hamas and whose body remains in Gaza, described the deal as both hopeful and heartbreaking. 

“It’s a tough moment. On the one hand, we’re happy and excited for the families that will hopefully get to see their loved ones after such a long time,” Orna Neutra shared. 

“We’re really hopeful that this new administration will be able to bring the deal to fruition and will have all the gravitas to put on the different parties in the region to follow through on it. We trust President Trump that, you know, this is important to him and that he will make sure that this happens.”