Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal: What you need to know about the three phase deal

The Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the US, aims to address the ongoing suffering of Palestinians, but many critics argue that it falls short of securing lasting peace. The deal is split into three stages, with conditions that many fear Israel will fail to uphold.

• First phase:

  • Hamas agrees to release 33 Israeli captives, including women, children, and the elderly.

  • In return, Israel promises to free 50 Palestinian captives for each female soldier and 30 for each civilian.

  • Israel will release all women and children under 19 abducted from Gaza since 7 October, 2023.

  • A gradual easing of restrictions will allow unarmed Palestinians to return to northern Gaza, with up to 600 trucks of aid permitted into the enclave.

• Second phase:

  • If conditions are met, Hamas will release the remaining Israeli captives, mostly soldiers, in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners.

  • Israel would then commence its "complete withdrawal" from Gaza, including the sensitive Egyptian-Gaza border.

• Third phase:

  • If the second stage is fulfilled, the bodies of those still missing will be returned in exchange for a reconstruction plan under international supervision, lasting between three and five years.