Israel continued to bomb Gaza killing dozens despite the announcement of a ceasefire deal. (Photo via X)
New Delhi: A landmark ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been reached on Wednesday after more than 15 months of devastating conflict, marking a potential turning point in the Gaza war. The deal, which emerged through intensive diplomatic efforts, aims to halt hostilities and address the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire was brokered through collaborative mediation involving Qatar, Egypt and the United States, with the US secretary of state, Antony Blinken, playing a crucial role. The Joe Biden administration initially proposed a framework for negotiations in May 2024, with talks gaining urgency ahead of the president-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on January 20.
The agreement outlines a six-week initial phase that includes a substantial prisoner exchange. Thirty-three Israeli captives – comprising women, children and civilians over 50 – will be released, while approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including around 250 serving life sentences, will be freed.
Military aspects of the deal include a partial Israeli troop withdrawal from populated Gaza areas, with forces retreating to positions within 700 metres of the border and a gradual reduction of military presence in strategic corridors. The agreement also provides for up to 600 trucks of humanitarian aid daily, the reopening of border crossings and medical treatment outside Gaza for injured Palestinians.
Subsequent phases encompass the release of remaining living hostages, complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and further prisoner exchanges. A final phase includes the return of remaining hostage bodies and a three- to five-year reconstruction initiative under international oversight.
The conflict began with a devastating Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, resulting in 1,200 Israeli deaths and 253 hostages taken. The Israeli military response led to over 46,000 Palestinian casualties, including approximately 16,000 children, alongside widespread destruction in Gaza.
Recent regional developments have included the assassination of key Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, escalation involving Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and Houthi maritime disruptions in the Red Sea.
Questions remain regarding Gaza’s future governance. The US has proposed involvement of a revised Palestinian Authority, international partners managing essential services and potential security forces from Arab nations.
Despite representing a potentially transformative moment, the agreement faces significant hurdles, including resistance from hardline members of the coalition of the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, and the absence of long-term guarantees for continued peace. Nevertheless, it offers hope for de-escalation and humanitarian relief in this conflict-stricken region.
‘Netanyahu’s cabinet won’t meet to ratify ceasefire’
Netanyahu announced on Thursday that his cabinet would not convene to approve the proposed Gaza ceasefire until Hamas retreats from what his office termed a “last minute crisis” in negotiations.
In a strongly worded statement, the Israeli prime minister’s office accused Hamas of attempting to secure additional concessions by abandoning previously agreed terms. The primary point of contention centres on an alleged understanding that would have granted Israel authority to veto the release of prisoners convicted of murder in exchange for hostages.
The delicate political situation facing Netanyahu adds another layer of complexity to the negotiations. While facing immense public pressure to secure the release of Israeli hostages, Netanyahu must also contend with far-right coalition partners who have threatened to collapse his government should the concessions prove too generous. Though Netanyahu could potentially secure approval for an agreement through opposition support, such a move would significantly destabilize his coalition.
The Israeli cabinet had been scheduled to ratify the agreement on Thursday.
Israel continues to pound Gaza
Meanwhile, violence continues to devastate Gaza, with reports indicating that 78 Palestinians, including 21 children and 25 women, have been killed due to Israeli bombardment since the announcement of the potential ceasefire deal. Gaza’s civil defence authorities reported that an Israeli air raid in Jabalia’s an-Nazla area claimed five lives, among them two children and two women.
A Gaza civil defence spokesman, Mahmoud Basal, shared footage from the attack site, documenting the horrific toll on civilian casualties. Basal issued an impassioned appeal to human rights organisations, questioning the continued loss of young lives in Gaza.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) revealed that throughout 2024, an average of 15 children daily have sustained injuries resulting in permanent disabilities. The agency further highlighted the dire state of medical services in Gaza, reporting that only three of 22 UNRWA health centres remain operational, while grappling with severe shortages of essential resources including fuel and water.
