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U.S. Plan for Gaza Reconstruction Without Hamas.. and Prisoner Exchange
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Coordination between Biden and Trump administrations on the Gaza deal reflects the issue's importance to the United States and its pivotal role in the region
Sources told Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels on Tuesday that the transfer of American-citizen prisoners in Gaza to safe locations has begun, in preparation for an exchange agreement with Israel.
The sources explained that Hamas has started classifying prisoners into groups in preparation for implementing the agreement, while requesting international and American guarantees to ensure Israel's commitment to the agreed terms.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the agreement will ensure the recovery of prisoners and alleviate humanitarian suffering, confirming Washington's determination to find a path for a Palestinian state coexisting with Israel, while rejecting the forced displacement of Gaza's residents.
The first phase of the deal includes a 42-day ceasefire, with Hamas releasing 33 detainees in exchange for the release of 30 Palestinian children and women, in addition to releasing 50 prisoners for each Israeli female soldier.
The second phase will witness a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip, with a remaining point of contention regarding Israel's desire to establish a buffer zone two kilometers deep north and east of Gaza.
Sessions are being held today in the Qatari capital Doha with the presence of envoys from Presidents Biden and Trump and the heads of Mossad and Shin Bet, to complete the final details of the agreement.
A Palestinian official indicated that the information coming from Doha is "very promising," while Netanyahu conducts security consultations and will meet with prisoners' families to brief them on the deal's details.
Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid confirmed his readiness to provide a political safety net for Netanyahu to complete the deal, despite opposition from some far-right ministers.
Levant-Agencies
