Summary:
- Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal, mediated by Qatar and the US, after 15 months of devastating conflict.
- The first phase includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza.
- Subsequent phases aim to release all remaining hostages, ensure full Israeli troop withdrawal, and begin Gaza’s reconstruction, which could take years.
- Despite the agreement, violence persists as Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed over 20 people in Gaza following the announcement.
Israel and Hamas have reached a pivotal ceasefire and hostage release agreement after 15 months of devastating conflict, as announced by mediators Qatar and the United States. The deal, which aims to halt hostilities in Gaza and facilitate humanitarian aid, marks a significant step toward alleviating the suffering of millions affected by the war.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani confirmed that the agreement would take effect on Sunday, pending approval by the Israeli cabinet. He emphasized the importance of maintaining calm on both sides, stating, “We hope this will be the last page of the war.” U.S. President Joe Biden hailed the deal as a breakthrough, noting it would “halt the fighting in Gaza, surge much-needed humanitarian assistance to Palestinian civilians, and reunite hostages with their families.”
The ceasefire comes in the wake of an unprecedented escalation that began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a cross-border attack killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. Israel responded with a military campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, resulting in widespread destruction across Gaza. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, over 46,700 people have been killed since the conflict began, with most of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents displaced amid severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter.
Under the terms of the agreement’s first phase, 33 hostages—comprising women, children, and elderly individuals—will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israeli forces are set to withdraw from densely populated areas in Gaza, allowing displaced Palestinians to begin returning to their homes. Additionally, hundreds of aid trucks will be permitted entry into Gaza daily to address critical shortages.
The second phase of negotiations is scheduled to commence on the 16th day of the ceasefire. This phase aims to secure the release of remaining hostages and facilitate a full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. The third and final stage will focus on rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure—a process expected to take years—and addressing unresolved issues such as the return of hostages’ bodies.
Both sides have expressed cautious optimism about the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged ongoing efforts to finalize details but thanked President Biden for his role in promoting the deal. Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya described it as “a milestone in the conflict with the enemy,” while emphasizing that Palestinians remain committed to their broader goals of liberation.
The announcement has sparked mixed reactions among affected communities. In Gaza, celebrations erupted as residents expressed relief at the prospect of peace. Sanabel, a 17-year-old from Gaza City, shared her joy: “Finally, I will put my head on my pillow without worrying… It is time to heal.” Meanwhile, families of Israeli hostages expressed tempered hope. Sharone Lifschitz, whose father remains captive, remarked that it felt like “a bit of sanity” but acknowledged the challenges ahead.
Despite these developments, violence has not entirely ceased. Following Qatar’s announcement of the agreement, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed more than 20 people in Gaza City’s Sheikh Radwan neighborhood. The Israeli military has yet to comment on these strikes.
International leaders have welcomed the ceasefire but underscored its fragility. UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for urgent measures to ease suffering caused by the conflict. President Biden highlighted that while this agreement represents progress, “it is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin.”
As implementation begins, all eyes are on both parties to honor their commitments and navigate what remains a deeply complex and volatile situation. The world awaits further details on subsequent phases of this historic agreement and hopes for sustained peace in a region long scarred by conflict.
Source: BBC.com
