Israel-Hamas Ceasefire to Begin Sunday Amid Tensions

Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas: Key Details and Developments

A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas is set to take effect Sunday morning at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), as announced by Qatar, which has acted as a mediator. This ceasefire, a critical step toward ending the intense and destructive 15-month conflict, will bring hope to families anxiously awaiting news of loved ones and provide some relief for the people of Gaza who have endured severe hardships.

Israel’s Cautious Stance

In a national address just hours before the ceasefire was set to begin, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized that Israel views the ceasefire as temporary and retains the right to continue military action if necessary. He also highlighted support from President-elect Donald Trump, who reportedly told Netanyahu to “keep doing what you have to do.” Despite the deal, Netanyahu faced internal opposition, with far-right Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announcing his resignation over the terms of the ceasefire.

The agreement comes after Israel’s Cabinet approved the deal during a rare meeting on the Jewish Sabbath. Tensions remain high as families of hostages, including those of Matan Angrest, continue to push for their loved ones’ safe return. Anat Angrest, Matan’s mother, urged the government to “keep going and saving lives.”

Phases of the Ceasefire

The ceasefire will unfold in two phases:

1. Phase One (42 days): Israel will pull its troops back to a buffer zone inside Gaza, about 0.6 miles from the border. During this period, there will be significant exchanges of prisoners and hostages.
2. Phase Two: This phase will begin after two weeks, focusing on more challenging negotiations, with a final decision to be made by Israel’s security Cabinet after six weeks.

Continued Hostilities and Casualties

Even as the ceasefire nears, violence continues. Israeli airstrikes targeted Gaza overnight, killing 23 people, while sirens went off in southern Israel as missiles launched from Yemen were intercepted. This marks a period of heightened regional tension, with Iran-backed Houthi rebels joining the conflict in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.

Hostage and Prisoner Exchange

In the first phase of the ceasefire, 33 hostages from Israel are set to be freed over the next six weeks. In return, 737 Palestinian prisoners will be released. The first release is scheduled for Sunday, starting with three female hostages, and further exchanges will follow. Among those being released is Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage, whose second birthday was marked with prayers for his safe return.

Israel’s justice ministry has published the list of prisoners to be freed, including minors and women. However, groups representing victims of Palestinian attacks are already planning to challenge the releases in Israel’s Supreme Court.

Additionally, 1,167 residents of Gaza who were not involved in the October 2023 Hamas-led attack will be released, with women and children under 19 given priority. Palestinian prisoners convicted of violent attacks will be exiled to Gaza or abroad.

Humanitarian Aid Surge

Gaza is also set to receive a significant boost in humanitarian aid during the ceasefire, with 600 trucks, including 50 carrying fuel, expected to enter daily. The Rafah crossing, Gaza’s key gateway, will soon reopen under Egyptian management, though all trucks will undergo Israeli inspections.

U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that despite this aid, distribution will face challenges in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation remains dire.

The Human Toll of the Conflict

The toll of the conflict has been devastating. The Hamas-led attack in October 2023 killed around 1,200 people, and nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza. In response, Israel’s offensive has claimed over 46,000 Palestinian lives, the majority of whom are women and children, according to local health officials.

The ceasefire is a crucial first step toward ending the deadliest and most destructive conflict in the region’s recent history, providing some hope for a return to peace and stability.

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