Over a period of six weeks, a three phase ceasefire agreement will result in 33 living hostages returning home as well the repatriation of the remains of those who perished since October 7, 2023.

This will, unquestionably, bring unbridled joy to some of the families who have waited so long not knowing the ultimate fate of their loved ones.

At the same time, of course, many will be distraught at the final realisation that their hopes and dreams have not been realised.

No-one can predict with any certainty that every detail of the plan will be implemented after so long a wait since Joe Biden's May 2024 draft document was rejected.

But what happens after phase three comes to a close?

Benjamin Netanyahu pledged from the start that as well as the return of those ruthlessly dragged from their homes on the most infamous day in the Jewish state's history, he also demanded the complete removal of the terrorist group Hamas from any position of power in the Gaza Strip in the future.

The Prime Minister has failed to do despite a huge military success that has left the terrorists down but not out.

Who will take over the running of the territory Israel returned to the Palestinians in 2005?

We should all celebrate the impending homecoming of those brave and resilient men, women and children about to see their loved ones again, but the future for them and the whole region in general still seems as murky as ever.

Lewis Fink,
Prestwich,
Manchester.

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