Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement to end 15 months of relentless conflict in the Gaza Strip. The deal, announced by mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, will officially come into effect on Sunday, January 19, 2025.
The conflict, which began with Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, has resulted in more than 46,000 deaths in Gaza and widespread destruction. It has displaced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians and deeply scarred communities on both sides.
The agreement is backed by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, which have pledged to act as guarantors to ensure the deal’s implementation. Their coordinated efforts, supported by the United Nations and international donors, aim to sustain humanitarian aid and facilitate the eventual reconstruction of Gaza.
U.S. President Joe Biden emphasized the importance of this agreement, describing it as a product of intense diplomacy and a critical step toward lasting peace. “It is long past time for the fighting to end and the work of building peace and security to begin,” Biden stated. Biden also pointed out the deal was the result of “the extreme pressure that Hamas has been under and the changed regional equation after a ceasefire in Lebanon and weakening of Iran — but also of dogged and painstaking American diplomacy”. Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu also thanked President-elect Donald Trump for his assistance in securing the deal.
The Three-Phase Ceasefire Plan
The ceasefire agreement outlines a structured plan divided into three six-week phases:
Phase One: Immediate Ceasefire and Hostage Exchange
A complete cessation of hostilities will be implemented. Israel will withdraw its forces from densely populated areas of Gaza. 33 hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals, will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid will be intensified, with hundreds of aid trucks entering Gaza daily to provide medical supplies, food, fuel, and shelter for displaced individuals. Internally displaced Palestinians will begin returning to their homes, and medical evacuations for the wounded will be facilitated.
Phase Two: Negotiations
This phase will focus on the release of remaining hostages and a full withdrawal of Israeli troops. Talks will aim to establish “sustainable calm” between the two parties.
Phase Three: Reconstruction of Gaza
The final phase involves rebuilding Gaza’s devastated infrastructure, including hospitals, homes, and essential services. The remains of deceased hostages will also be exchanged during this phase.
Challenges and Reactions
Despite the optimism surrounding the deal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has acknowledged unresolved clauses requiring Cabinet and Supreme Court approval. This adds a layer of uncertainty to the deal’s immediate implementation.
In Gaza and the West Bank, news of the ceasefire was met with celebrations. Videos circulating on social media show Palestinians gathering in the streets, waving flags, and chanting in support of fallen Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated the initial attack on Israel.
Manbilas Singh is a talented writer and journalist who focuses on the finer details in every story and values integrity above everything. A self-proclaimed sleuth, he strives to expose the fine print behind seemingly mundane activities and aims to uncover the truth that is hidden from the general public. In his time away from work, he is a music aficionado and a nerd who revels in video & board games, books and Formula 1.
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