Israel and Hamas Reach Gaza Ceasefire Agreement Amid War Aftermath
After 15 months of intense conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a pivotal ceasefire and hostage release agreement, according to mediators Qatar and the United States. The deal, which includes provisions for humanitarian aid and the release of hostages, is set to commence on Sunday, pending approval from Israel’s cabinet.
Agreement Highlights
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, announced the breakthrough, emphasizing the importance of mutual calm before implementing the first phase. U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the agreement as a step toward halting violence in Gaza, delivering essential humanitarian aid, and reuniting hostages with their families.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed ongoing finalization of the deal’s details, expressing gratitude to Biden for his role. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya credited the agreement to the steadfastness of the Palestinian people.
Despite the announcement, fighting on the ground in Gaza persisted. Hamas’s Civil Defence agency reported over 20 fatalities from Israeli airstrikes, including 12 residents of a single apartment block in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood.
The Road to the Agreement
The conflict erupted following a large-scale Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 Israelis dead and 251 taken hostage. Since then, more than 46,700 lives have been lost in Gaza, according to its Hamas-run health ministry. The region faces widespread devastation, mass displacement, and critical shortages of basic supplies due to restricted aid access.
The deal’s initial phase will see the release of 33 hostages, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israeli forces are expected to withdraw from heavily populated Gaza areas, enabling displaced residents to return and allowing hundreds of aid trucks to enter daily. Negotiations for subsequent phases, including the release of remaining hostages and a comprehensive troop withdrawal, will begin within 16 days.
International Reactions
The deal sparked celebrations among Palestinians and Israeli hostages’ families. In Gaza, people cheered and waved flags in towns like Deir al-Balah and Khan Younis. Sanabel, a 17-year-old in Gaza City, expressed relief: “Finally, I’ll sleep without fear.”
In Tel Aviv, Israeli families of hostages shared cautious optimism. Sharone Lifschitz, whose father remains a hostage, said, “This feels like a glimmer of sanity. Miracles can happen.”
President Biden attributed the agreement to persistent diplomacy, regional shifts, and pressure on Hamas. He acknowledged the contributions of President-elect Donald Trump, who had pushed for hostages’ release ahead of his inauguration. Trump, in turn, celebrated the deal as a result of his administration’s success.
Challenges Ahead
The agreement faces opposition within Netanyahu’s far-right coalition but is expected to pass the Israeli cabinet. Public backlash is likely as the government releases a list of Palestinian prisoners, some convicted of serious crimes, for families to contest within 48 hours.
Hamas’s al-Hayya described the deal as a milestone but emphasized the pain endured by Palestinians. “We will rebuild Gaza and heal wounds,” he said, while warning that the suffering inflicted will not be forgotten.
Looking Forward
As the first phase unfolds, international stakeholders, including Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, will oversee its implementation. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres stressed the need to prioritize alleviating suffering and building peace. The agreement marks a critical juncture, with hopes that it could lay the groundwork for lasting calm and recovery in the region.
