Israeli tanks in Zeitoun neighborhood

Photo: Times of Israel

15th of January 2025

The Order of Saint George the Great Martyr is pleased to report that a ceasefire has been agreed upon between the State of Israel and Hamas. According to several international reports, the ceasefire is set to begin on Sunday, January 19th, marking a potential turning point in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The ceasefire agreement outlines three distinct phases aimed at reducing hostilities and addressing humanitarian needs. The first phase, which commences this Sunday and will last six weeks, includes a limited prisoner exchange, the partial withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the besieged enclave.

Phase 1: Initial Measures

During the first phase, thirty-three Israeli captives—comprising women, children, and civilians over the age of 50—who were taken during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, will be released. In exchange, Israel has agreed to release a larger number of Palestinian prisoners, including those serving life sentences. Among the released Palestinians will be approximately 1,000 individuals detained in the aftermath of the October 7th attack.

Israeli forces will withdraw from Gaza’s population centers, relocating to positions no more than 700 meters inside Gaza’s border with Israel. This withdrawal may exclude the Netzarim Corridor—a heavily militarized zone bisecting the Gaza Strip, which controls movement along the area. Withdrawal from this corridor is anticipated to occur in a phased manner over time.

Civilians who fled their homes in Gaza’s northern region during the conflict will be permitted to return. This area has been under siege, with aid agencies warning of potential famine conditions. To address the dire humanitarian situation, Israel will allow up to 600 trucks of aid to enter Gaza daily, a substantial increase from current levels.

Additionally, wounded Palestinians will be allowed to leave Gaza for treatment, and the Rafah crossing with Egypt will be reopened within seven days of the ceasefire’s implementation. In a related development, Israeli forces are expected to reduce their presence in the Philadelphi Corridor—a critical border zone between Gaza and Egypt—before withdrawing entirely no later than the 50th day of the ceasefire agreement.

Phase 2: Comprehensive Captive Exchange and Withdrawal

If all parties agree that the conditions of the first phase have been met, the ceasefire will proceed to the second phase. During this stage, Hamas has committed to releasing all remaining living captives, primarily male soldiers, in exchange for the release of additional Palestinian prisoners from Israeli detention centers.

This phase also envisions the start of Israel’s “complete withdrawal” from Gaza. However, this remains a contentious issue, as the terms of this withdrawal have not yet been finalized. Furthermore, approval of the ceasefire agreement by the Israeli cabinet faces significant political challenges. Many far-right members of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition, whose support is crucial for the government’s stability, have expressed strong opposition to the terms. Netanyahu himself has previously used Hamas’s presence in Gaza as a justification for maintaining a prolonged military presence.

Phase 3: Reconstruction and Governance

The third phase, while less defined, centers on a plan for long-term reconstruction and governance of Gaza. If the conditions of the second phase are met, the bodies of remaining captives will be returned to Israel. In return, an international reconstruction plan—lasting three to five years—will be implemented under strict international supervision.

The Role of the Order in Gaza

As the ceasefire begins, the Order of Saint George the Great Martyr reaffirms its commitment to aiding the community of Saint Porphyrios and to the many vulnerable individuals who have sought refuge within its sacred walls. Throughout the recent hostilities, Saint Porphyrios has stood as a beacon of hope, providing shelter to displaced families and serving as a center for humanitarian aid. The Order is working hand in hand with Archbishop Alexios to support the long-term recovery of the church and to ensure the resilience and renewal of the Christian community in Gaza as they navigate the immense challenges left in the wake of the conflict.

Post-Ceasefire Governance and Challenges

The issue of Gaza’s governance post-ceasefire remains unresolved. The United States has proposed a framework in which a reformed Palestinian Authority would take the lead in rebuilding and administering Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken suggested that “international partners” collaborate with the Palestinian Authority to establish an interim governing body capable of delivering critical services and maintaining oversight of the territory.

To ensure short-term stability, Arab states would contribute security forces to the region. However, these states, including Saudi Arabia, have made their support contingent on a clearly defined pathway to Palestinian statehood. This requirement introduces further complexities, as Israeli lawmakers remain divided on the issue. Despite agreeing to a two-state solution under the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, Israel has yet to present a viable alternative for Gaza’s governance.

As always, the Order remains steadfast in its commitment to the community of Saint Porphyrios, to Archbishop Alexios of Tiberias, to the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem, and to all Christians who live and breathe across Gaza, the Holy Land, Lebanon, Syria, and the Middle East.

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