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The long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas finally took hold in the Gaza Strip on January 19, 2025, marking a significant turning point in the devastating 15-month conflict. The truce, initially scheduled for 8:30 a.m., was delayed by nearly three hours due to a last-minute hitch by Hamas, underscoring the fragility of the agreement. Despite this delay, the announcement of the ceasefire was met with joyous celebrations across Gaza, as Palestinians, many displaced for months, began returning to their homes. The release of three Israeli hostages – Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher – was announced by Israel, a crucial first step in the prisoner exchange process outlined in the ceasefire agreement. This exchange will see the release of 90 Palestinian prisoners in return for the return of the hostages, a highly symbolic and emotionally charged moment for both sides.
The ceasefire agreement, brokered through months of intense mediation by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, was pushed forward by both the outgoing Biden administration and President-elect Donald Trump's team. The urgency to secure a deal before the presidential inauguration on January 20, 2025, played a crucial role in finalizing the agreement. Despite the agreement's success, the delicate balance of the truce became immediately apparent. In the hours between the original scheduled start time and the eventual commencement of the ceasefire, Israeli fire tragically resulted in the deaths of at least 26 people in Gaza, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The military's warning to civilians to avoid Israeli forces during their retreat to a designated buffer zone highlights the continuing risks and inherent tensions.
The political ramifications of the ceasefire extended beyond the immediate conflict zone. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's hard-line National Security Minister and leader of the Jewish Power faction, announced his party's withdrawal from the government in protest of the agreement. While this weakens Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, it does not directly impact the ceasefire itself. Separately, Israel announced the recovery of the body of Oron Shaul, an Israeli soldier killed during the 2014 war, in a special operation within Gaza. The recovery of Shaul's remains and the ongoing efforts to secure the release of other Israeli soldiers captured in previous conflicts underscores the continued human cost of the conflict.
The ceasefire agreement is divided into two phases. The first, a 42-day period, will see the initial release of hostages and prisoners, and a significant increase in humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza. Hundreds of trucks carrying aid are expected to cross into Gaza daily, a substantial increase compared to the previous restrictions. The UN's World Food Programme confirmed trucks already began entering through designated crossings following the ceasefire. This first phase represents a significant humanitarian effort to address the dire situation in Gaza, where 90% of the population has been displaced, infrastructure is severely damaged, and tens of thousands have perished. The rebuilding process alone will take years, even under the most optimistic scenarios. This initial pause, however, represents an important chance for the region to rebuild and establish channels of communication.
The second phase of the ceasefire, negotiations for which will begin in just over two weeks, is where the most difficult challenges lie. The critical question remains whether the conflict will resume after the 42-day period or if a more lasting peace can be achieved. The fate of the remaining hostages held in Gaza and the long-term political implications of the agreement are still far from being resolved. There are deeply entrenched narratives that are deeply intertwined with the events in Gaza. The number of casualties, both civilian and combatant, is staggeringly high – over 46,000 Palestinians according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, and over 1,200 Israelis, mostly civilians. The Hamas-led attack that ignited this 15-month war resulted in the abduction of approximately 250 people, further complicating the already tense situation. The images emerging from Gaza are both heartbreaking and disturbing, with accounts of widespread destruction and the discovery of human remains amongst the rubble.
Reactions within Israel have been varied, ranging from relief at the prospect of the hostages’ return to skepticism and outright opposition to the agreement's terms. Concerns have been raised about the potential for Hamas to rebuild its strength during the ceasefire and use the increased aid as a means to prepare for future attacks. The deep-seated anxieties and divisions within Israeli society are clearly visible in the contrasting opinions. While some, like Nissan Kalderon, brother of a hostage, express hope and urge continued efforts to bring all hostages home, others, like Asher Pizem, express apprehension about the ceasefire’s long-term implications and question the wisdom of allowing increased aid to Gaza. The long-term effects of the ceasefire and the overall future stability of the region remain uncertain, but the initial phase represents a pivotal moment with considerable potential for both progress and further conflict.
Source: Israel-Hamas ceasefire: Gazans cheer as ceasefire between Israel and Hamas kicks off