The highly anticipated ceasefire-hostage deal is set to go into effect at 8:30 a.m. local time (1:30 a.m. ET) on Sunday, marking a significant pause in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The agreement will temporarily halt hostilities and facilitate the release of dozens of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israel will commence the release of 735 Palestinian prisoners as part of the initial phase of this landmark deal. Furthermore, the agreement heralds a substantial increase in humanitarian aid, with 600 trucks expected to deliver essential supplies to Gaza each day.
The deal, approved by Israel's government early on Saturday, comes after more than 15 months of relentless Israeli bombardment that has devastated the Palestinian enclave, triggering a severe humanitarian crisis. The death toll in Gaza has been staggering, with at least 46,876 people killed and another 110,642 injured since October 7, 2023. Among the dead are 33 children and 33 women, predominantly from Gaza City.
The United Nations has cautioned that while this agreement marks a critical step forward, it is merely the beginning of addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza. Over the past months, the region has suffered immense loss and destruction, highlighting an urgent need for sustained international intervention and support.
The Israeli military has been making meticulous preparations to receive the hostages upon their release from Hamas captivity. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) emphasized their commitment to providing comprehensive physical and psychological support to the returning hostages.
“The IDF has been preparing to receive the hostages after their release from Hamas captivity and is operating to provide suitable physical and psychological support, with careful attention to every detail.” – Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
In addition to these efforts, the IDF has reiterated its dedication to ensuring the safety of all Israeli citizens, focusing particularly on those residing near the Gaza Strip.
“Alongside the agreement and our commitment to bringing home all the hostages, the IDF will continue to operate in order to ensure the security of all Israeli citizens, particularly those in communities near the Gaza Strip.” – Israel Defense Forces (IDF)
The deal also includes a gradual withdrawal of Israeli military forces from urban centers in Gaza, an aspect that many hope will contribute to lasting peace in the region. Qatar has played a pivotal role as a mediator in facilitating this agreement.
The initial day of the deal will witness the release of three female Israeli civilian hostages held in Gaza. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has expressed their support for the agreement, emphasizing its importance.
“We, the families of the 98 hostages, welcome the agreement intended to bring all hostages home.” – The Hostages and Missing Families Forum
“This represents a significant and crucial advancement that brings us closer to the moment when we will see all hostages return home—the living to rehabilitate among their families, and the deceased for proper burial.” – The Hostages and Missing Families Forum
However, not all parties are content with the arrangement. National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voiced his dissatisfaction despite his admiration for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“I love Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and will make sure that he continues to be prime minister,” – Itamar Ben Gvir, national security minister
“But I will leave (government) because the deal that was signed is disastrous.” – Itamar Ben Gvir, national security minister
Saturday also saw rising tensions as the Israeli military intercepted a missile from Yemen, which triggered sirens over Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This incident underscores the fragile nature of security in the region, even as efforts towards peace are underway.
Local voices from Gaza express cautious optimism about the ceasefire’s potential impact. Mahmoud Sheikh Abed, a displaced Palestinian from Rafah, conveyed hopes for an end to the war.
“We hope by the name of God, that today is the last day of war.” – Mahmoud Sheikh Abed
“We hope that there won’t be any violations of the ceasefire. The people are tired, we are tired from displacement, from illnesses, from starving, from fatigue. We call upon God that this is the last day, and there won’t be violations from resistance or Israeli forces.” – Mahmoud Sheikh Abed
Another resident, Bilal Al-Nahawani, echoed similar sentiments about the dire conditions faced by Gazans.
“The people of Gaza are tired, starving. Each house has people martyred or injured or detained. It is enough, people in Gaza have suffered a lot.” – Bilal Al-Nahawani
Qatari officials have urged caution as they navigate this delicate situation.
“We advise inhabitants to take precaution, exercise the utmost caution, and wait for directions from official sources.” – Majed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Qatari foreign ministry
Despite these developments, challenges remain. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken provided a sobering assessment of Hamas' capabilities amidst ongoing negotiations.
“We assess that Hamas has recruited almost as many new militants as it is lost.” – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken
Looking ahead, this ceasefire-hostage deal is expected to be succeeded by subsequent phases. However, details of these future stages have yet to be negotiated.
