Israel’s Cabinet sanctioned a ceasefire agreement early on Saturday, January 18, 2025, aimed at halting the intense 15-month-long conflict with Hamas.

The truce, brokered with the assistance of Qatar and the United States, also includes the release of dozens of hostages and is expected to last for six weeks.

The ceasefire is set to commence on Sunday, making it the second such agreement achieved during the prolonged hostilities.

A Step Towards Peace Amid Devastation

The agreement represents a significant step towards concluding one of the deadliest and most destructive periods of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

The 15-month conflict, triggered by Hamas’ cross-border attack on October 7, 2023, resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people in Israel and the capture of 250 hostages.

Israel’s military response to the attack has devastated Gaza, with over 46,000 Palestinian deaths reported, more than half of whom are women and children, according to local health officials.

Key Elements Of The Ceasefire Agreement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced the deal after resolving what he described as last-minute complications attributed to Hamas.

The first phase of the ceasefire will see the release of 33 hostages held by Hamas. However, questions remain regarding their identities and the status of those still alive.

Netanyahu’s administration has set up a dedicated task force to prepare for the return of the hostages, and their families have been informed of the agreement.

On the other side, hundreds of Palestinian detainees are also set to be released as part of the deal. Israel’s Justice Ministry has published a list of 95 prisoners, predominantly younger individuals and women, slated for release in the initial phase.

The release process is scheduled to begin after 4 p.m. local time on Sunday. Unlike the first ceasefire, Israel’s Prison Services will oversee the transportation of these detainees to prevent public celebrations, citing security concerns.

Humanitarian Relief And Military Adjustments

The ceasefire is expected to bring a surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza, a region severely impacted by the ongoing conflict.

Trucks carrying supplies have already lined up on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing. Discussions between Israeli military officials and Egypt are ongoing to facilitate the reopening of the crossing.

As part of the agreement, Israeli forces will withdraw from certain areas within Gaza, allowing hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to what remains of their homes.

However, the military has cautioned that residents will not be permitted to return to zones still under Israeli control or near the Gaza-Israel border. Any threats to Israeli forces during this process will be met with strong retaliation.

Challenges Ahead

The release of the remaining hostages, including male soldiers, will be addressed in a second phase of negotiations.

This phase is expected to be significantly more challenging, as Hamas has demanded a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal in exchange for further concessions.

Meanwhile, Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas and maintaining security control over Gaza.

Long-term questions loom over the future governance of Gaza and the immense task of rebuilding the war-torn region.

The conflict has not only destabilised the Middle East but also spurred global protests and intensified political divisions within Israel.

The hard-line national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has expressed strong opposition to the ceasefire, threatening to resign if the deal proceeds.

Although his departure would not immediately destabilise the government, it could weaken Netanyahu’s coalition in the long run.

Moving Forward

While the ceasefire offers a temporary reprieve from the violence, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain. Both sides will need to navigate complex negotiations and address the underlying causes of the conflict to achieve a durable resolution.

For now, the agreement signals a moment of hope amidst the devastation, offering a glimmer of respite to the people of Gaza and Israel.

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