Mediators agree to form joint chamber in Cairo to monitor Gaza ceasefire implementation

CAIRO – 17 January 2025: A meeting involving Egyptian, Qatari, American and Israeli delegations in Cairo on Friday agreed on forming a joint operations room to monitor the implementation of the anticipated ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

According to an informed Egyptian source, the chamber will consist of representatives from Egypt, Palestine, Qatar, the United States, and Israel.

The meeting took place in a positive atmosphere, with consensus among all parties regarding the mechanisms for implementing the ceasefire agreement, the source confirmed.

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A delegation from the Israeli army and the Israel Security Agency/Shin Bet (Shabak) is expected to arrive in Cairo, Friday, to coordinate with the Egyptian side regarding arrangements for implementing the Gaza Ceasefire agreement, according to al Qahera…

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 17, 2025

The news comes while the Israeli cabinet is anticipated to approve the agreement, which was announced by the mediators, Egypt, Qatar and the US on Wednesday and is set to take effect Sunday afternoon, hopefully bringing an end to over 15 months of Israeli war in the enclave.

Israel’s security cabinet ratified the ceasefire agreement on Friday.

ABOUT THE DEAL

The phased agreement will allow for the release of captives held by Hamas since their surprise attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, including both living and deceased captives, in exchange for numerous Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons.

As per the deal, Hamas is set to release 33 captives in the first phase, which spans 42 days, alongside the withdrawal of Israeli forces toward the East.

The first phase includes a ceasefire, withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, an exchange of prisoners and detainees, and the return of the remains of the deceased.

During this initial phase, internally displaced Palestinians will be allowed to return to their homes in Gaza, and arrangements will be made for the sick and wounded to receive treatment.

The first phase also aims to intensify the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale in the Gaza Strip, rehabilitate hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and provide civil defense supplies and fuel, as well as shelter for those displaced by the war.

Egypt, Qatar and the United States of America issued on Wednesday a joint statement on the brokered deal in Gaza Strip#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/15TZqXj08H

— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 16, 2025

Talks regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement are set to commence on the 16th day of the first phase.

The second phase stage is anticipated to encompass the release of all remaining hostages, the establishment of a lasting ceasefire, and the full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The third phase will focus on the recovery of all remaining deceased individuals and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza, overseen by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.