The Israeli cabinet on late Friday officially approved a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, a major step in achieving peace after more than 15 months of conflict in Gaza. The agreement comes after intense negotiations mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar.
The negotiations, held primarily in Doha, Qatar, were led by top diplomats, intelligence officials, and mediators who navigated the complex dynamics between Israel and Hamas.
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Here is a closer look at the central players:
David Barnea: The head of Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency was at the forefront of Israel’s negotiation team. Barnea worked closely with Ronen Bar, head of the Shin Bet security agency, alongside military and political advisers to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While Barnea maintained a low public profile, his leadership was instrumental in shaping Israel’s position during the talks.
Ronen Bar: As the head of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar oversaw matters concerning Palestinian security prisoners, a central issue in the negotiations. Under the agreement, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. Despite taking responsibility for security failures during the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, Bar played a key role in securing the ceasefire.
Brett McGurk: President Joe Biden’s top Middle East adviser led the US delegation in the negotiations. McGurk’s extensive experience in Middle East policy proved crucial as he shuttled between key players, drafting proposals and bridging gaps between Israel and Hamas.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani: Qatar’s prime minister and foreign minister spearheaded his country’s mediation efforts. As the host of the negotiations, Qatar’s role was pivotal in facilitating communication between the parties. Sheikh Mohammed announced that the ceasefire would take effect on Sunday, highlighting his country’s commitment to resolving the conflict.
Hassan Rashad: The director of Egypt’s General Intelligence Agency acted as a liaison with Hamas. Rashad’s involvement continued Egypt’s longstanding role in mediating between Israel and Palestinian groups, with Cairo set to host further talks on the agreement’s implementation.
Khalil al-Hayya: The acting head of Hamas’ political bureau took on greater responsibility following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. Known for his negotiation skills, al-Hayya worked through Egyptian and Qatari mediators to represent Hamas’ interests.
What the ceasefire deal means
The ceasefire agreement, set to last for an initial 42 days, includes several key provisions aimed at easing tensions and addressing humanitarian concerns:
Hostage and prisoner exchange: Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals. In return, Israel will free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, starting with a list of 95 detainees.
Israeli military withdrawal: During the ceasefire, Israeli forces will pull back from densely populated areas in Gaza to facilitate the prisoner-hostage exchange and allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes. However, a buffer zone of up to 800 metres inside Gaza will remain under Israeli control.
Monitoring mechanism: Mediators from Qatar, the United States, and Egypt will oversee the implementation of the agreement through a monitoring body based in Cairo.
Future negotiations: Talks for subsequent phases of the agreement will begin on the 16th day, focusing on a permanent resolution and the release of remaining hostages.
A step towards peace?
While President Biden expressed hope for a “permanent end to the war,” Hamas and Israeli officials remain cautious about the deal’s long-term impact.
In Gaza, residents displaced by the conflict are preparing to return home, while in Israel, families of hostages await their loved ones with a mix of joy and sorrow. As Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated, “We hope this will be the last page of the war.”
