Negotiations on the terms of the second phase of the ceasefire are due to begin on the 16th day of the first phase and will focus on achieving a “final cessation of hostilities”.
Details of the second phase of the deal are still uncertain, but the remaining hostages, including men, are expected to be released in this phase as more Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli prisons are freed.
There will also be a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. It is also understood that Hamas police – who will be unarmed unless absolutely necessary – will manage the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza
The third and final phase will involve the rebuilding of Gaza – something that could take years – and the return of any remaining bodies of the hostages.
on friday night The Israeli government approved the ceasefire agreement and the release of the hostages after hours of discussions.
Two far-right cabinet ministers voted against, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The drawn-out structure of the agreement is also causing anxiety and division among the families of the hostages. Some fear that relatives will be left behind in Gaza after the first phase ends.
On Saturday night, thousands of demonstrators gathered in Tel Aviv to demand that the government secure the release of the new hostages, fulfilling the first phase of the ceasefire.
Gal Alkalay, a member of the Hostage and Missing Persons Forum, told the Reuters news agency: “We could have saved the lives of 200 soldiers and more than 10 hostages.” She added that people died needlessly because the government “couldn’t make a decision and waited for Trump.”
