Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced a 60-day ceasefire agreement with Hamas, paving the way for the evacuation of over 75% of the areas in Gaza currently under occupation.
Gallant stated that maintaining military operations in the remaining 25% is both unnecessary and could endanger hostages still held by Hamas. Starting tomorrow, he claimed, Gaza will effectively be cleared of Hamas control as Israeli forces withdraw from most occupied zones.
As part of the agreement, Gallant mentioned that Hamas has committed to returning the bodies of 10 living hostages, along with half of those still missing. Additionally, Hamas has reportedly accepted that the Philadelphi Corridor—a critical buffer zone along the Gaza-Egypt border—will remain under Israeli military oversight.
In a notable development, Gallant directed the Israeli military to begin planning for the construction of a new city in Rafah, one of the areas most heavily damaged by recent fighting. This proposed city is intended to serve as a relocation site for the entire population of the Gaza Strip.
So far, Hamas has not publicly responded to this controversial relocation plan.
Meanwhile, the ongoing third round of indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar appears likely to conclude without a breakthrough. The first two rounds failed to produce substantial progress, yet both sides reportedly remain cautiously optimistic that talks could yield an agreement in the coming days.
Despite deep divisions and complex demands on both sides, efforts continue to secure a broader resolution to the months-long conflict, with hopes pinned on diplomatic engagement and further dialogue.
