During his trip to Israel on Sunday, Donald Trump declared that the war in Gaza was over and that the region was beginning to “normalize.” The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in effect since Friday at 11:00 a.m. CEST. In addition to the US, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey also mediated the agreement.
A key moment is expected to be the release of hostages by Monday at 11:00 a.m. CEST. Israel expects the release of 20 living hostages, whose names have been published by Hamas, as well as the handover of the bodies of 28 others.
In return, Israel will release 250 Palestinian prisoners, but not high-ranking Hamas members. In addition, 1,700 Palestinians are to be released and the bodies of 360 fighters handed over.
A new beginning
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke of a “new beginning.” “Monday is the beginning of a new path. A path of rebuilding, healing, and hopefully also of rapprochement between hearts,” he said.
Many Palestinians are already returning to their homes—only to find rubble and massive destruction. Residents describe the situation as shocking, and aid workers warn of unexploded ordnance.
Israel's defense minister announced that after the return of the hostages, the army would focus on destroying the Hamas tunnels. The displaced Palestinians are facing a humanitarian catastrophe: an estimated 300,000 tents are needed to house the 1.5 million displaced persons.
Trump plans to address the Israeli parliament, the Knesset, on Monday and then attend a summit in Egypt to discuss the path to peace.
Peace Council
On Sunday, Trump expressed doubts about whether Tony Blair, the former British prime minister, was the right candidate for a new “peace council” structure to administer Gaza. Although he has “always liked” Blair, he wants to check whether he is accepted by all parties involved.
Blair's possible appointment drew criticism from Palestinian leaders, particularly because of his controversial role in the 2003 Iraq War.
(reuters, max)