The conflict in Gaza has concluded with the implementation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas, as announced by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Friday. This marks the end of a two-year war that began after an attack by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals and the taking of 250 hostages.
The ceasefire went into effect at noon local time in Israel, with the initial de-escalation being part of a 20-point peace plan proposed by US President Donald Trump. Both parties have agreed to the terms of the first phase of the peace process.
According to the IDF, troops in the Southern Command have been deployed in the area to address any immediate threats. The agreement, reached on Thursday, is seen as a significant breakthrough under Trump’s peace initiative to resolve the conflict in Gaza.
As per the terms of the deal, Israel will cease military operations while Hamas will release Israeli hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The announcement has led to celebrations in both Israel and the Palestinian territories, signaling progress towards ending the conflict and securing the release of remaining hostages.
Under the agreement, hostilities will cease as Israel begins a partial withdrawal from Gaza, and Hamas commits to releasing all remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli custody. Trump has indicated that the process of releasing hostages is expected to commence early next week.
The agreement also paves the way for a large-scale humanitarian operation, with convoys of aid trucks carrying essential supplies set to enter Gaza. This aid is intended to assist the hundreds of thousands of displaced civilians living in makeshift shelters after the destruction caused by Israeli forces during the conflict.
In the initial phase, Hamas will release approximately 20 surviving Israeli hostages, while the IDF will pull back to a predetermined line within Gaza. Israeli authorities estimate that around 48 hostages are still held captive in Gaza.
Despite the progress made, significant challenges persist. A Palestinian official disclosed that the final list of prisoners to be released has yet to be determined. Key elements of Trump’s peace plan, such as the governance of Gaza post-conflict and Hamas’s disarmament, are still subject to ongoing discussions.
In Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing internal resistance within his coalition, with National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening to oppose the deal and potentially destabilize the government if Hamas retains its armed capabilities.
Nevertheless, the news of the ceasefire and the anticipated return of hostages has been met with widespread jubilation across the region, offering a glimmer of hope after years of violence.