Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in three phases

The Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal reached between Israel and Hamas will be implemented in three phases, according to the agreement.

In a press conference on Wednesday evening, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani said the two conflicting parties in Gaza have reached an agreement regarding the exchange of hostages and prisoners and return to sustainable calm that would lead to a permanent ceasefire.

This agreement marks a breakthrough after about 15 months of devastating conflict.

Al Thani noted that implementation of the agreement will begin on Sunday, Jan 19.

According to the agreement, Hamas will release 33 hostages in the first phase, spanning six weeks, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners. A full and complete ceasefire will be realized and humanitarian aid can enter Gaza in this stage as Israeli forces start to withdraw from Gaza.

In the second phase, Hamas will release the remaining hostages and Israel will fully withdraw its troops. In the third and last phase, Hamas will return the remains of the deceased captives and the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip shall begin.

Al Thani emphasized Qatar's continued commitment, alongside Egypt and the United States, to oversee the agreement's implementation and address any potential violations.

Monitoring teams from the three countries will ensure adherence to the agreement and take necessary steps to maintain stability, he said.

Noting that this agreement is a step toward achieving sustainable peace in the region, Al Thani said that Qatar is working closely with all parties to ensure its success.

Since the conflict erupted last October, the Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli strikes in Gaza has risen to more than 46,700, according to the Gaza-based health authorities on Wednesday.

Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal to be implemented in three phases

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf warned on Sunday that Tehran would view the United States and Israel's military bases and facilities in the Middle East as "legitimate targets" should Washington take military action against Iran.

At a parliamentary session convened to review an emergency proposal on assembly regulations, Qalibaf emphasized that, at this highly sensitive juncture, Iran must accurately and thoroughly identify the schemes of its adversaries.

Qalibaf said that Iran is currently confronting Israel and the United States simultaneously on four fronts: economic, cognitive, military, and counterterrorism. Of them, the economic warfare and the cognitive and psychological warfare began many years ago and have persisted to this day, growing increasingly complex and intense in recent years.

The remarks came as U.S. President Donald Trump is reportedly "seriously considering authorizing a strike" against Iran, taking advantage of its nationwide unrest.

Protests have erupted in several Iranian cities since late December over the sharp fall of the rial and long-standing economic hardship. Iranian authorities have acknowledged the demonstrations and voiced willingness to address economic grievances, while warning against violence and vandalism.

Amid the ongoing protests, deadly clashes have been reported lately between police and what the government described as "rioters." However, no official death toll has been released.

Also on Sunday, Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency reported that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will address the country's economic situation and political environment in a televised interview later that day.

Iran swears to counterattack if attacked