The Prime Minister of Qatar Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani announced on Wednesday evening that a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Hamas and Israel and prisoner exchange, following 467 days of Israeli war on Gaza.The ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday, January 19.

He said that under the visionary leadership of the Amir HH Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar has worked tirelessly to mediate and foster progress in resolving this conflict. These efforts have been ongoing since October 8 and reflect Qatar’s resolve to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, ensure the flow of aid, and uphold peace. Previous successes, such as the release of 109 hostages in November, exemplify the nation’s enduring commitment to conflict resolution.

The PM said that Qatar emphasizes the necessity for all parties to uphold their commitments under this agreement. By adhering to the outlined measures and timelines, this accord holds the potential to end the cycle of violence, restore hope, and lay the foundation for a prosperous future in the region.

He explained that the agreement reached by the two parties includes three stages:

The first stage, which lasts for 42 days, includes a ceasefire, the withdrawal and redeployment of Israeli forces outside densely populated areas, the release of hostages and exchange of prisoners and detainees, the exchange of the remains of the deceased, the return f internally displaced persons to their places of residence in the Gaza strip, and facilitating the departure of patients and wounded to receive treatment.

The first stage also includes intensifying the safe and effective entry and distribution of humanitarian aid on a large scale throughout the Gaza strip, rehabilitating hospitals, health centers, and bakeries, bringing in civil defense supplies and fuel, and bringing in shelter supplies for displaced persons who lost their homes due to the war.

In this context, Qatar, Egypt and the US have affirmed that their policy as guarantors of this agreement is to help ensure that all three of its stages will be fully implemented by both parties. Accordingly, the mediators will work together to ensure that the parties implement their obligations in the agreement and that the three stages continue in full.

The guarantors will also work in coordination with the UN, other providers of assistance, and partners from around the world to support the rapid and sustained surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza under the terms outlined in the agreement.

“We call on other countries to join and support these efforts under mechanisms we have established to help implement the agreement,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, the GCC Secretariat General on Wednesday embraced the announcement of the Gaza ceasefire agreement.

In a statement, GCC Secretary-General Jasem Mohamed Al Budaiwi commended the great efforts by the State of Qatar, Egypt and the US, and their tireless work with all concerned parties to reach the deal.

Budaiwi voiced hopes the deal would contribute to restoring security and peace in the Gaza Strip, providing humanitarian aid to its residents, and returning the displaced to their homes after the 15 month-long Israeli war killed tens of thousands of civilians and devastated infrastructure, creating a deteriorating humanitarian situation.

He reiterated the GCC’s firm position supporting the Palestinian cause and the Palestinian people’s national rights, including the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the borders of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, and ensuring the rights of refugees.(QNA; The Peninsula; Photo © Rajan Vadakkemuriyil /The Peninsula)