The first phase of the plan for peace in Gaza, on which the agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas in Sharm el Sheik during the night, provides for an immediate ceasefire, with a gradual withdrawal of the IDF from the Strip, and the release of the hostages in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners, as well as a corridor of humanitarian aid. The other key points of the Trump plan – from the disarmament of Hamas to post-war governance – will instead be addressed in the next rounds of negotiations. Here, in summary, are the points of the agreement reached and the issues to be resolved in the near future:
Cease-fire
“Total and immediate” is expected to be triggered as soon as the Netanyahu government, which will meet in the afternoon, ratifies the agreement reached in Egypt.
Hostages
Within 72 hours of ratification of the agreement (probably Monday), the hostages still alive will be released (estimated to be 20) and almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners will be freed (250 with life sentences). The list of the latter is not yet known and the issue of high-ranking figures such as Marwan Barghouti has not been resolved, although Palestinian sources have reported that Israel refused to include him among those to be released.
Withdrawal of the IDF
It should happen within 24 hours of the agreement. The Israeli forces, according to the maps drawn by the Trump plan, should gradually retreat behind the ‘yellow line’ (from 1.5 km to over 5 km inside the border of the Strip depending on the depth of the Gaza areas). Withdrawal from Gaza City and other cities is expected, with the exception of Rafah which Israel considers a point of entry of weapons for Hamas.
Humanitarian corridor
The entry of at least 400 aid trucks per day is expected in the initial phase.
The issues of the next negotiations
The talks for the second phase of the agreement will have to resolve several crucial points. In addition to a further withdrawal of the IDF behind the ‘red line’ (outer than the ‘yellow line’) there is the establishment of a “buffer zone” along the border between the Strip and Israel. The Trump plan, presented in twenty points, also envisages in the second phase the creation of a US-led international provisional administration, with the participation of Arab countries and former GB Prime Minister Tony Blair. The establishment of an International Stabilization Force (ISF), with Arab and international partners, is also planned, to be deployed “immediately” in Gaza.
The post-war period
The final objective is to stabilize the Strip, also in view of a possible future Palestinian state on which Israel remains firm. Hamas, which has rejected any foreign or Western administration, would instead be open to a Palestinian technical government “under the aegis of the PNA”, guaranteed by Arab and Muslim countries.