Details of the “Gaza Truce”: Disputes over “Prisoners” and Flexibility on the “Israeli Withdrawal”

19th December 2024

2 minutes read

Details of the "Gaza Truce": Disputes over "Prisoners" and Flexibility on the "Israeli Withdrawal"

New details have emerged about an upcoming ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, including a partial Israeli withdrawal from the “Philadelphi Route.”

While Hamas has shown flexibility regarding its previous demand for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, disagreements remain concerning the fate of Palestinian detainees serving lengthy sentences, who are set to be released as part of the deal.

After more than 14 months of war in the Gaza Strip, a prisoner exchange deal and ceasefire seem closer than ever, according to Western and Israeli media reports.

The Israeli news outlet I 24 stated that “the agreement under discussion requires significant concessions from Israel but also includes substantial achievements,” adding that “Israel is optimistic about concluding the deal before the U.S. administration changes on January 20, or perhaps even within a shorter timeframe.”

The outlet elaborated: “The agreement will include a ceasefire lasting approximately one and a half months, during which dozens of Israeli hostages will be gradually released. However, disagreements persist regarding the total number of prisoners to be freed.”

It was further noted that “several hundred Palestinian security prisoners, including those serving lengthy sentences for killing Israelis, will be released.” However, I 24 emphasized that “the main point of contention is where these prisoners will be released to: Gaza and the West Bank, as demanded by Hamas, or deported to a third country, as Israel insists.”

The report revealed that Hamas has dropped its demand for a full Israeli withdrawal from the Philadelphi Route, located on the border between Gaza and Egypt, in exchange for an organized return of Gaza residents to the northern part of the territory in significant numbers.

It added: “Hamas has also shown flexibility by abandoning its demand for the dismantling of the Netzarim Route, which separates northern Gaza from its southern part. Residents returning to the north will be subjected to security checks by the Israeli army at checkpoints along the Netzarim Route to prevent the infiltration of thousands of armed fighters.”

Moreover, the outlet reported that “Hamas has accepted the Israeli presence in the Netzarim area even during the ceasefire.” According to I 24, “Hamas’ most significant concession is the lack of an Israeli commitment to end the war, as Israel has made it clear that it will resume fighting once the ceasefire ends.”