A significant agreement between Israel and Hamas is poised for implementation, marking a potential turning point in the 15-month-long conflict that has ravaged the Gaza Strip. The deal, brokered through negotiations in Qatar, will unfold in three phases, with the first phase set to last 42 days. During this initial phase, Hamas is expected to release 33 hostages, including women, children, men over 50, and wounded individuals. In exchange, Israel will release "many hundreds" of Palestinian prisoners, including those convicted of killing Israelis. This development comes amidst a backdrop of widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza, with more than 46,000 lives lost, mostly women and children, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
The conflict has resulted in the displacement of at least 90% of Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, as reported by the United Nations. A study published in The Lancet journal estimates an even higher death toll, with over 64,000 people killed between October 7, 2023, and June 30, 2024. In response to the humanitarian crisis, the Israeli military will begin withdrawing from population centers during the first phase of the agreement. However, they will maintain a presence along the Gaza-Egypt border to ensure security.
Palestinian civilians in Gaza will be permitted to return freely to the northern parts of the strip under the stipulation of "security arrangements." Meanwhile, Hamas continues to hold four additional hostages since 2014, with at least two confirmed dead. The agreement's implementation hinges on approval from both Israel's security cabinet and full government cabinet.
"I just want to go home. I want my belongings, my toys, my memories." – Noor
The human toll of the conflict has sparked varied reactions across the region. In Jerusalem, protests against the ceasefire-for-hostages deal have emerged. Some hostage families have expressed concern that the Israeli leadership might be "surrendering to Hamas." Former Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz emphasized the necessity of this agreement as a step towards peace, acknowledging the absence of a "perfect deal."
"I swear when the ceasefire comes, I will celebrate and rejoice, and I will not sleep all night." – Um Mohammad Abu Ubeid
"We hope that this cloud of despair finally lifts. Hope and despair go hand in hand in Gaza." – Um Mohammad Abu Ubeid
For many Gazans, the prospect of a ceasefire brings a glimmer of hope. Yet, the path to this agreement has been fraught with challenges and delays. Moshe Lavi, a relative of a hostage held by Hamas, expressed frustration over the drawn-out negotiations.
"We’ve been within minutes from a deal since May. And we’ve been hearing that we are close to sealing a deal here when there are delays." – Moshe Lavi
Despite these setbacks, Lavi remains supportive of any deal that prioritizes bringing hostages home and saving lives.
"There are still additional phases that will need to be discussed, and that’s the issue really. Many hostage families want a deal that is comprehensive." – Moshe Lavi
"I support any deal that will bring hostages home, that will save lives. But we in our family, and many other families, understand and are frustrated that we are still unable to reach an agreement that is more comprehensive, that in which we know within a time framework when all the hostages return home." – Moshe Lavi
The sentiment echoes across the affected families who continue to advocate for their loved ones.
"We’re going to keep advocating as well for our loved ones. All of them, all 98 hostages – those who were murdered to be buried, those who are alive to be rehabilitated in Israel. And we want a ceasefire that is comprehensive to release them." – (no attribution)
The skepticism surrounding the negotiations has also been palpable among the Palestinian community.
"It is lies, all lies. Every time we hear there is progress in the negotiations; Then we hear the negotiations failed," – Abdul Rahman Salama
However, hope persists that peace will be restored eventually.
"God willing. It will end. I swear it will end whether we are here or not. We will remain in our place until it will be rebuilt in 20 years." – Abdul Rahman Salama
The emotional toll is evident among children affected by the conflict.
"We used to play together, make lunch, do our homework and study," – Saba Ahmed Abu Ouda
"I’m sad I won’t find them when I go home." – Saba Ahmed Abu Ouda
