CAIRO – 18 January 2025: As the clock strikes midnight in Cairo, the long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza is just hours away, offering hope to bring an end to over 15 months of Israeli war that has devastated the enclave and resulted in tens of thousands of casualties.
On this first day of the ceasefire, the initial three captives— all women— are set to be released by Hamas, allowing them to reunite with their families.
This release is part of a larger exchange involving a significant number of Palestinian prisoners.
Egypt has readied its hospitals to receive Palestinian patients and the injured through the Rafah border crossing, when it opens.
Moreover, the Egyptian Red Crescent is intensifying efforts to deliver huge quantities of humanitarian aid.
The ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, was announced just this past Wednesday after a year of tireless mediation between Israel and Hamas.
This agreement comprises three phases.
During this initial phase, 33 Israeli captives out of around 94 held by Hamas in Gaza— about one-third of whom are presumed dead— will be released over the course of 42 days.
In return, Israel is expected to release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners, says Egypt’s foreign ministry.
⭕️#Breaking | Egypt’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced that Israel will release more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 33 Israeli captives held by Hamas in Gaza as part of the first phase of the anticipated ceasefire deal.
— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 18, 2025
In a statement on Saturday, the… pic.twitter.com/1fUyatFFH8
The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect at 8:30 AM local time (0630 GMT).
Under this agreement, 600 truckloads of humanitarian aid are set to be delivered to Gaza daily during the first phase, which spans six weeks. Of these trucks, 50 will carry fuel.
Half of the aid trucks will head to northern Gaza, where a looming famine threatens the population.
The first phase includes provisions for a ceasefire, the 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 have the opportunity to return home, and arrangements will be made for the sick and wounded to receive necessary treatment.
Additionally, the first phase aims to facilitate the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale within Gaza, rehabilitate hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, and provide essential supplies, fuel, and shelter for those displaced by the conflict.
Egypt is ready to provide all medical services for the Palestinian injured people due to the Israeli war on the Gaza Strip, besides sending medical teams to the enclave if requested#Egypt #Africa #MENAhttps://t.co/9yxzHLigPI
— Egypt Today Magazine (@EgyptTodayMag) January 18, 2025
Discussions regarding the implementation of the second phase of the agreement are set to begin on the 16th day of the first phase.
This stage is expected 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 recovering all remaining deceased individuals and initiating reconstruction efforts in Gaza, with oversight from Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations.
This phased agreement seeks to halt the tragedy in Gaza, which has led to nearly 46,900 fatalities and over 110,700 injuries since the conflict began on October 7, 2023.
Egypt Today will provide LIVE updates starting at 8:00 AM Cairo time.
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