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Talks on the terms of the second phase of the ceasefire are set to begin on Day 16 of the first phase and will focus on achieving a “permanent end to the war”.
Details of the second phase of the deal are still uncertain but it is hoped that the remaining hostages, including men, will be released at this stage as more Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails are released.
There will also be a full withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. It is also understood that Hamas police – who will be unarmed unless absolutely necessary – will arrange the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to northern Gaza.
The third and final stage will involve the reconstruction of Gaza – something that could take several years – and the return of the remaining hostages’ bodies.
On Friday night, the Israeli government approved a ceasefire and released the hostages after hours of discussions.
Two right-wing cabinet ministers voted against it, including national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
The drawn-out treaty structure also caused anxiety and division among the families of the hostages. Some relatives fear they will be left behind in Gaza after the first phase is over.
On Saturday evening, thousands of protesters gathered in Tel Aviv to demand that the government guarantee the release of the next hostages by following the first phase of the ceasefire.
Gal Alkalay, a member of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, told the Reuters news agency: “We were able to save the lives of 200 soldiers and more than 10 hostages.” He added that people had died unnecessarily because the government “couldn’t make a decision and wait for Trump”.
