Rabat – Qatar has confirmed the ceasefire for the war-torn Gaza will start on Sunday.
Al Jazeera quoted the country’s Prime Minister, who announced the news, as noting that talks are ongoing with Israel and Hamas on the implementation of the deal.
US President Joe Biden also announced the news, detailing the phases of the agreement.
The first step of the agreement will last six weeks, covering the full and complete ceasefire. This means the withdrawal of Israel’s occupation forces from all populated areas across Gaza.
It will also include the release of hundreds of hostages held by Hamas, including women, the elderly, and the injured.
Meanwhile, Israel would release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Reports suggest Hamas will release 33 Israeli captives during the first phase in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Palestinians will also be able to return to neighborhoods across Gaza.
In addition, humanitarian assistance will be allowed throughout war-torn Gaza during this phase.
“There are a number of issues to negotiate to move from phase one to phase two, but the plan says that if negotiations take longer than six weeks, the ceasefire will continue as long as the negotiations continue,” Biden said.
Qatar and Egypt pledged to work to ensure the implementation of the agreement, with Doha expressing satisfaction with the efforts to secure this momentum.
