After a delay of nearly three hours, the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now come into force, signaling a temporary halt to the 15-month-long conflict that has devastated Gaza. This truce is part of a deal brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, intended to facilitate the release of hostages and prisoners, and significantly boost humanitarian aid into the beleaguered territory.
Hostage and Prisoner Exchange: Hamas has begun the process by handing over the first three hostages — Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari — to the Red Cross in Gaza City. These individuals were among those taken during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. The exchange stipulates that Israel will release 735 Palestinian prisoners during the initial phase of this agreement. The Israeli military had postponed the ceasefire until they received the list of hostages to be set free by Hamas, highlighting the delicate nature of these negotiations.
Aid Increase: The ceasefire agreement includes provisions for a dramatic increase in humanitarian aid, with up to 600 trucks expected to cross into Gaza daily. This surge in aid is vital, as Gaza has been grappling with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. However, Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), emphasized that this is only the start, given the immense scale of the humanitarian crisis.
Political Tensions: The ceasefire has not been universally welcomed in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made it clear that the ceasefire is temporary, with the threat of resuming military action if Hamas breaches the agreement’s terms. This stance has led to internal political friction, with some of Netanyahu’s far-right coalition partners, like Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, expressing dissent. Smotrich and others have warned of withdrawing support if the war against Hamas isn’t pursued to its conclusion. Meanwhile, families of Israeli soldiers killed in the conflict have protested against the ceasefire, concerned that it might not lead to the dismantling of Hamas.
Casualties and Humanitarian Concerns: Despite the ceasefire’s initiation, the immediate aftermath has been marred by violence, with reports indicating that at least 10 Palestinians were killed and 25 injured in Israeli strikes in Gaza just before the ceasefire was to begin. Since the deal’s announcement, there have been at least 122 Palestinian deaths due to Israeli military actions, illustrating the ongoing human cost of the conflict.
Global Reactions: Internationally, there’s a cautious optimism about this ceasefire, with many hoping it’s a step towards a more enduring peace. However, skepticism remains about the long-term stability of the agreement, given the deep-seated issues between Israel and Hamas. The UN and various aid organizations are calling for sustained access and support for Gaza, underlining the necessity for peace to facilitate recovery and reconstruction.
This ceasefire, while offering a temporary reprieve from the violence, is set against a backdrop of continued tension, with both sides watching closely to ensure adherence to the deal’s terms. The success of this ceasefire will largely depend on the willingness of both Israel and Hamas to engage in further diplomatic efforts towards a more lasting peace.