Late on Friday, Israel’s cabinet approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, marking a significant step toward ending over 15 months of conflict in Gaza. This agreement follows intensive negotiations involving key intermediaries from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
Key Figures Behind the Agreement:
- David Barnea: The Mossad intelligence agency chief played a crucial role in Israel’s negotiation team. Alongside military and political advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Barnea’s strategic insights were essential in crafting Israel’s stance.
- Ronen Bar: As the head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar handled matters related to Palestinian prisoners—a key point of negotiation. Bar was instrumental in shaping the terms for the exchange of hostages and prisoners.
- Brett McGurk: President Biden’s Middle East adviser led the U.S. delegation, using his experience to bridge gaps between Israel and Hamas while drafting proposals for the agreement.
- Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister oversaw the negotiations, highlighting Qatar’s central role in hosting and facilitating talks.
- Hassan Rashad: Egypt’s General Intelligence Agency director acted as a critical mediator with Hamas, emphasizing Cairo’s ongoing commitment to Middle East peace efforts.
- Khalil al-Hayya: Representing Hamas, al-Hayya stepped into a leadership role during negotiations, working with mediators to ensure Hamas’ interests were addressed.
Key Provisions of the Ceasefire Agreement:
- Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women and children, while Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian detainees in stages.
- Military Adjustments: Israel will withdraw forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, creating space for humanitarian relief and displaced residents to return.
- Monitoring Mechanism: Mediators from Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt will oversee the deal’s implementation from a monitoring base in Cairo.
- Future Talks: Discussions for permanent peace will begin mid-way through the ceasefire, focusing on unresolved issues and the remaining hostages.
Impact and Outlook:
The agreement represents a moment of cautious optimism. Families in Israel and Gaza view the developments with mixed emotions as they await reunions with loved ones. While the ceasefire is seen as a breakthrough, its sustainability will depend on future negotiations and adherence to the terms.