A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached in Gaza, marking an end to the 15-month conflict that began with Israeli airstrikes resulting in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians. The immediate ceasefire, set to last for six weeks starting from Wednesday, has been successfully brokered by American and Qatari mediators following intense violence that has destabilized the region.
The complex agreement outlines a phased ceasefire plan, with Israel’s gradual withdrawal from Gaza Strip territories, the return of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, and the release of Hamas-held detainees in exchange. Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced the ceasefire during a press conference in Doha on Sunday, indicating ongoing efforts by both parties to implement the agreement.
US President Joe Biden expressed hope that the ceasefire would halt the fighting in Gaza, increase humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians, and facilitate the reunification of detainees with their families after more than 15 months of captivity. The news of the ceasefire has been met with celebrations in Gaza, where residents have been enduring severe shortages of food, water, and fuel.
The agreement has brought relief to families of Israeli detainees and their companions, who welcomed the news of their release. “We, the families of 98 detainees, eagerly welcome the agreement to bring back our loved ones,” a statement from the detainees’ families read.
The negotiation process for the ceasefire was supported by the United States and mediated by Egyptian and Qatari officials, amidst ongoing reports of casualties and destruction in the conflict-stricken Gaza Strip. The ceasefire aims to prevent further loss of life and address the dire humanitarian crisis affecting the densely populated region.
The initial phase of the ceasefire will see the release of 33 Israeli prisoners, including women, children, and men over 50 years old. Hamas officials have hailed the agreement as a significant achievement, acknowledging the efforts of mediators in brokering the ceasefire and prisoner exchange.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the last-minute concessions made by Hamas and highlighted remaining unresolved issues in the agreement. The second phase of the ceasefire is set to begin after 16 days, with ongoing discussions to finalize the return of all remaining prisoners and initiate the reconstruction of Gaza.
The ceasefire, backed by the United States and welcomed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, is seen as a crucial step towards mitigating the extensive urban destruction in Gaza and addressing the needs of its over 2.3 million inhabitants. The truce is expected to pave the way for the repatriation of remaining deceased prisoners and the commencement of Gaza’s reconstruction efforts.
As the 16-day ceasefire progresses, negotiations for the second and third phases will commence to address the return of remaining deceased detainees and begin the reconstruction process in Gaza. The violence that erupted in October 2023, sparked by Hamas militants breaching security barriers and infiltrating Israeli border communities, resulted in a large-scale military operation by Israel in Gaza.
The conflict led to the deaths of 1,200 militants and civilians, with over 250 foreign and Israeli prisoners being captured by Hamas. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 46,000 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks, and millions have been displaced, struggling in makeshift shelters amid harsh living conditions.
Despite the ceasefire, Israel continues to conduct airstrikes and rocket attacks, claiming the lives of dozens of Gaza residents daily. The ongoing violence underscores the fragility of the situation and the urgent need for sustained peace efforts to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of innocent civilians.
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Author: MAYA | HARUTO
Posted at: January 16, 2025 8:01 am