The role of Trump's pressure on Netanyahu in the ceasefire deal: key aspects of the agreement and prisoner exchange
The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas represents a significant milestone, with U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump playing active roles in the negotiations.
This deal aims to end the 15-month conflict in Gaza and includes the release of many hostages held by Hamas, along with hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
The agreement will be carried out in three phases. In the first phase, 33 women, children, older adults, and injured civilians will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons. The second phase will involve the release of soldiers and other male detainees. Additionally, the deal includes a commitment to deliver much-needed humanitarian aid to Gaza, which has been severely affected by the ongoing conflict.
The negotiations were intense, with mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. taking on crucial roles. Trump's Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, was especially influential in urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to agree to the deal. Both Biden and Trump have taken credit for the agreement, emphasizing the bipartisan effort that led to this ceasefire.
Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, told Al Jazeera that the key factor in the ceasefire agreement negotiated between Israel and Hamas was the pressure exerted by the incoming administration of U.S. President Donald Trump on Israel.
“Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, visited the region and urged Netanyahu, ‘You must finalize this deal,’” Rahman said.
Moreover, Israel's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, has criticized the ceasefire agreement, marking it a “dangerous and poor deal for Israel's national security.”
He stated through Israeli media, “A fundamental requirement for remaining in the coalition is an unwavering commitment to resume the conflict.”
Smotrich emphasized that continuing the war is crucial for achieving “total victory,” which he defined as the “eradication of the Hamas terrorist organization and the safe return of all hostages.”
“We will raise our voices. The cries of our brothers’ blood demand action from us,” he said.
However, the success of the ceasefire will depend on both Israel and Hamas acting in good faith to ensure the agreement does not collapse. The situation remains fragile, and the coming days will be crucial in determining whether the ceasefire holds.
Main aspects of the ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement in Gaza:
On January 15, 2025, a ceasefire agreement was reached between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The agreement will come into effect from Sunday, January 19. The agreement will be completed in three stages. Here are the details of the agreement.
Stages of the agreement:
1. First stage (humanitarian step):
— 33 Israelis will be released from Hamas prisoners. These are mainly women, children, the sick, and the elderly in their fifties.
— Out of these, 9 injured/sick Israelis will be released in exchange for the release of 110 Palestinians who are in Israeli prisons and have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
— Israel will release 1,000 people from Gaza who were arrested after October 8, 2024. In addition, 3 Palestinians serving life sentences will be released in exchange for the release of 1 Israeli male prisoner over the age of 50. Similarly, 27 Palestinian prisoners serving various terms will be released in exchange for the release of 1 Israeli male prisoner over the age of 50.
— In addition, 30 Palestinians will be released in exchange for each of the important Israeli prisoners.
— Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas of Gaza. And Gaza will not be able to stay more than 700 meters inside the Israeli border.
— Civilians will be allowed to return to their homes. Especially in northern Gaza. Although Israel will maintain control over the Netzarim corridor.
— 600 aid trucks will be allowed to enter Gaza daily.
— The Rafah border crossing will be opened 7 days after the first phase is launched. Injured Gazans will be allowed to go out for treatment. In this case, Israel and Egypt will need permission.
— Israeli troops will begin withdrawing from the Gaza-Egypt border, also known as the Philadelphia Corridor. Israel will withdraw all troops from there within fifty days of the agreement.
2. Phase Two (Detailed Discussion):
— If Israel does everything properly in the first phase, in the second phase, Hamas will release all Israeli prisoners and soldiers in their hands.
— In return, Israel will release more Palestinians.
— Israel will begin a complete withdrawal of troops from Gaza.
3. Phase Three (Reconstruction and Stabilization):
— If the second phase is completed properly, the third phase will begin.
— In this phase, the bodies of prisoners in Hamas' hands will be returned.
— In return, arrangements will be made for the reconstruction and repair of Gaza's infrastructure under the supervision of international organizations.