The first stage of the deal between Israel and Hamas is expected to be implemented rapidly over the coming hours and days, including the release of hostages and prisoners and a possible visit to Israel by Donald Trump.
On Thursday, both sides are set to officially sign the agreement. In the early evening, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will convene his security cabinet and then his full government for votes on the deal.
Despite opposition from Netanyahu’s far-right coalition allies, the deal is expected to be easily approved in both bodies.
Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is expected to arrive
in Israel on Thursday night, according to a person familiar with the matter.
Assuming the deal is approved by the Israeli government, there will be a phased withdrawal over the following 24 hours of Israeli military forces from their current positions to an agreed line outside Gaza’s main population centres.
The deal stipulates that Hamas has 72 hours from the point Israel agrees to it to release the 20 living hostages it holds. According to an Israeli official, this is expected to happen on either Sunday or Monday, after which the release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails is expected to begin.
Trump has indicated that he may visit the region, including Israel, this weekend. Israeli officials and analysts have indicated that an address by the US president to the Israeli parliament, or Knesset, on Sunday is a distinct possibility.