Egypt Daily News – Today, Saturday, the Egyptian government announced the details of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, which is scheduled to begin at 8:30 local time (6:30 GMT), tomorrow, Sunday.
It was revealed in a statement that the first phase of the deal extends for 42 days, during which Hamas will release 33 Israeli detainees in exchange for Tel Aviv releasing more than 1,890 Palestinian prisoners it holds, and stressing the mediators’ commitment to ensuring the implementation of the agreement in its three stages within the agreed upon timings.
Joint Operations Room
The statement also affirmed that Egypt is committed, in coordination with the mediators (Qatar and the United States), to permanent work to consolidate the ceasefire agreement and the full implementation of its provisions through the launch of the joint operations room, which Egypt will take as its headquarters to follow up on the exchange of detainees and prisoners and the entry of humanitarian aid, as well as the movement of individuals after the resumption of Rafah crossing operation.
Safe Routes… and Prior Security Approvals
In addition, the Egyptian Foreign Minister reported that 50 fuel trucks will enter Gaza as soon as the ceasefire agreement takes effect.
Sources also reported that Egypt has prepared safe paths for movement at the Rafah crossing, noting that Egypt is coordinating with the United Nations to remove mines on the Palestinian side of Rafah. The sources spoke of Egyptian attempts to reopen the Rafah crossing before the end of this week.
It also said, “The entry of Palestinians from Gaza into Egypt will be subject to prior security approval.”
During the first phase of the agreement, a “comprehensive ceasefire,” is expected and agreed upon. It will also include the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, an Israeli withdrawal from populated areas in the Gaza Strip, and an increase in humanitarian aid entering the Strip.
