Negotiations on the second phase, which should involve the release of the remaining hostages, the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and “sustainable peace”, will begin in two weeks.
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.
The Israeli military launched a campaign to destroy Hamas in response to the group’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, in which approximately 1,200 people were killed and 251 people were taken hostage.
More than 46,700 people have been killed in Gaza since then, according to the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry. Much of the population of 2.3 million has also been displaced, there is widespread destruction and there are severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine and shelter amid the struggle to help those in need.
Israel says 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, 34 of whom are believed to be dead. In addition, there are four Israelis kidnapped before the war, two of whom are already dead.
