Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire: Key Details and Implications
Hours before the scheduled start of a ceasefire in the Gaza war,Israeli prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel would not proceed with the agreement until Hamas provides a list of hostages to be released. In a post on X, Netanyahu stated, “We will be unable to move forward with the framework until we receive the list of the hostages who will be released, as was agreed. Israel will not tolerate violations of the agreement. Hamas is solely responsible.”
The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, is set to begin on Sunday morning. This follows Israel’s cabinet approval of the truce and a hostage-prisoner exchange deal. Netanyahu, in a televised address, reiterated Israel’s stance, saying, “We reserve the right to resume the war if necessary, with American support.” He also vowed to ensure the safe return of all hostages.
Of the 251 people taken hostage during Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, 94 remain in Gaza, including 34 whom the Israeli military has declared dead. The attack, which triggered the ongoing conflict, resulted in the deaths of 1,210 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.
In exchange for the release of hostages, Israel’s justice ministry announced that 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees would be freed as part of the deal’s frist phase. Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani confirmed that an initial 42-day ceasefire would see 33 hostages released by militants in Gaza.
Though, tensions remain high. Despite the agreement, Israeli strikes on Gaza have continued as the deal was announced on Wednesday. On Saturday, Gaza’s civil defense rescue agency reported that at least five members of a family were killed when a strike hit their tent in Khan Yunis, southern Gaza. Meanwhile, explosions were heard over Jerusalem after air raid sirens blared, with the military attributing the incident to a projectile launched from Yemen, where Iran-backed Huthi rebels have expressed support for the Palestinians.
This ceasefire marks only the second truce in over 15 months of conflict. The first, a week-long pause in November 2023, also involved the release of hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.
The humanitarian toll of the war has been devastating. Israel’s retaliatory campaign has destroyed much of Gaza,killing 46,899 people,most of them civilians,according to figures from the Hamas-run territory’s health ministry,which the United Nations considers reliable.
As the truce takes effect on the eve of Donald Trump’s inauguration for a second term as US President, questions linger about the long-term stability of the region.Netanyahu asserted that Israel has “changed the face of the Middle East” since the war began, but the path to lasting peace remains uncertain.
Key points of the Ceasefire Agreement
Table of Contents
| Aspect | Details |
|————————–|—————————————————————————–|
| Ceasefire Start | Sunday morning, mediated by Qatar, US, and Egypt |
| Hostages to be Released | 33 hostages in the first phase, out of 94 still held in Gaza |
| Prisoners Released | 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees |
| Duration | Initial 42-day ceasefire |
| Conditions | Israel reserves the right to resume war if Hamas violates the agreement |
| Humanitarian Impact | Over 46,899 killed in Gaza, mostly civilians |
The ceasefire represents a fragile hope for peace, but the road ahead is fraught with challenges. As the world watches, the focus remains on the safe return of hostages and the potential for a lasting resolution to one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history.
Expert Insights on the Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Agreement: A Path to Peace or a Fragile Truce?
In the wake of a historic ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas,tensions remain high as both sides navigate the challenges of implementing the truce. Mediated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt, the agreement includes a hostage-prisoner exchange and a temporary cessation of hostilities. To gain deeper insights into the implications of this fragile peace, we sat down with Dr. Miriam Cohen, a renowned expert on Middle Eastern conflict resolution, to discuss the key details and potential outcomes of this ceasefire.
Hostage-Prisoner Exchange: A Delicate Process
The ceasefire Terms: A Temporary Respite?
Humanitarian Crisis: The Devastating Impact on Gaza
The Role of External Mediators: Qatar, the US, and Egypt
Long-Term Implications: A Path to Lasting Peace?
Key Points of the Ceasefire Agreement
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Ceasefire Start | Sunday morning, mediated by Qatar, US, and Egypt |
| Hostages to be Released | 33 hostages in the first phase, out of 94 still held in Gaza |
| Prisoners Released | 737 Palestinian prisoners and detainees |
| Duration | Initial 42-day ceasefire |
| Conditions | Israel reserves the right to resume war if Hamas violates the agreement |
| Humanitarian Impact | Over 46,899 killed in Gaza, mostly civilians |
As the world watches, the ceasefire represents a fragile hope for peace. However, as Dr. Miriam Cohen highlights, the road ahead is fraught with challenges. The focus remains on the safe return of hostages and the potential for a lasting resolution to one of the most protracted conflicts in modern history.
