Israel and Hamas have reached a significant agreement on a ceasefire and hostage release, marking a crucial development in the ongoing conflict. Announced on Wednesday, the deal entails the release of 33 hostages from Gaza. It is structured to unfold in phases, with the initial phase expected to last six weeks. In a reciprocal gesture, Israel plans to release 95 Palestinian prisoners, including 10 teenagers, on the first day of the ceasefire.
The agreement comes after intensive mediation efforts in the Qatari capital of Doha, where negotiators overcame final obstacles. The Israeli security cabinet voted to approve the deal earlier on Friday, indicating a commitment to moving forward. This ceasefire agreement includes provisions to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza significantly, expanding deliveries to 600 trucks per day. The initiative aims to address the dire humanitarian situation in the region, which has seen at least 46,876 casualties and over 110,642 injuries since October 7, 2023.
In coordination with this significant diplomatic achievement, the Israeli military has conducted strikes targeting approximately 50 terror sites across the Gaza Strip. These actions underscore the fragile nature of the peace effort and highlight the need for careful management of the agreement's terms.
The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has called for "rapid, unhindered and uninterrupted humanitarian access" to Gaza. The international community has welcomed the deal, with aid agencies pledging to scale up their operations in response to the increased humanitarian corridor.
The accord stipulates the release of vulnerable groups such as female soldiers, children, the elderly, and the sick. However, reports from a UN team indicate disturbing findings of sexual abuse among hostages in Gaza, with reasonable grounds to believe that such violence persists.
“Obstacles that arose due to the (Israeli) occupation’s failure to adhere to the terms of the ceasefire agreement have been resolved early this morning,” – Zaher Jabareen, head of Hamas’ Martyrs and Prisoners Office wing.
The first phase of this pivotal agreement is expected to commence on Sunday. As part of the arrangement, there is a noteworthy provision that allows Israel to resume military operations if Hamas is perceived to sabotage any aspect of the deal.
“There are guarantees from the Americans that if Hamas sabotages a certain stage of the deal, Israel can resume fighting,” – Netanyahu, Israeli Prime Minister.
International leaders have expressed cautious optimism about the ceasefire. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized efforts to ensure families are reunited with their loved ones.
“We are working tirelessly to ensure that their families are reunited with them,” – Emmanuel Macron, French President.
The announcement has elicited varied reactions from those affected by the conflict. For some, it represents hope for peace and stability, while others remain skeptical about its potential outcomes.
“I harbor no illusions — the deal will bring with it great challenges and painful, agonizing moments that we will need to overcome and face together,” – Isaac Herzog, Israeli President.
Locals in Gaza have also expressed mixed emotions about this significant development.
“It’s like a miracle happened here … We lost a lot, but we are happy because we survived,” – Fadi Adwan, an engineering student in his early twenties.
Despite these tentative steps toward peace, numerous challenges lie ahead. President Joe Biden expressed his hope that during the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate necessary arrangements for a permanent end to hostilities.
“During the next six weeks, Israel will negotiate the necessary arrangements to get to phase two, which is a permanent end of the war,” – Joe Biden, US President.
