Israel and Hamas have agreed to halt their devastating conflict in the Gaza Strip, as announced by mediators on Wednesday. This development raises hopes of ending one of the deadliest and most destructive episodes of fighting between these long-standing adversaries.
The ceasefire agreement, structured in three phases, involves the release of numerous hostages held by Gaza militants and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israel.
Additionally, it aims to facilitate the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals in Gaza to what remains of their homes and ensure the influx of vital humanitarian aid into the war-ravaged region, mediators reported.
Ceasefire Details and Reactions
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, announced from Doha—where arduous negotiations were held—that the ceasefire would commence on Sunday.
He emphasized the importance of good faith from both sides to sustain the agreement. Meanwhile, U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking from Washington, highlighted the role of “persistent and painstaking American diplomacy” in achieving this deal. He credited bipartisan cooperation between his administration and President-elect Donald Trump’s team for its success.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded cautiously, stating the ceasefire agreement was incomplete, with final details under discussion. An anonymous Israeli official revealed that negotiations were focused on finalizing the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release.
Netanyahu’s Cabinet must approve any finalized agreement. He expressed gratitude to Biden and Trump for advancing the talks but refrained from committing to the deal until all details were resolved.
The announcement of the ceasefire prompted mixed reactions in Israel. Netanyahu’s coalition, reliant on hard-line factions, faces internal discord over the planned release of Palestinian prisoners.
Opposition leaders pledged their support for the agreement, but losing hard-line allies could destabilize Netanyahu’s government, potentially triggering early elections.
Challenges in Implementation
Netanyahu’s office later accused Hamas of reneging on an earlier understanding regarding Israel’s veto power over prisoners accused of murder. Hamas has yet to respond to these claims.
Gaza Ceasefire (Photo: AP)
Israeli President Isaac Herzog urged the government to approve the ceasefire in a televised address, while Hamas attributed the deal to “the legendary resilience” of Palestinians and their resistance.
U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari mediators are set to meet in Cairo on Thursday to discuss implementing the agreement. The first phase of the ceasefire is expected to last six weeks, halting hostilities and initiating negotiations for a permanent resolution.
Unresolved Issues
During this phase, 33 hostages are to be reunited with their families, though uncertainty surrounds the condition and fate of all captives. It remains unclear when displaced Palestinians will return to their homes or if the deal will lead to a comprehensive end to the conflict and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza—key Hamas demands.
Long-term concerns persist, including governance and reconstruction in Gaza following extensive destruction and displacement. The war, which began with Hamas’ October 2023 cross-border attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, has resulted in over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, according to local health officials.
International and Regional Implications
The ceasefire comes after months of indirect negotiations and follows a November ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. The war’s impact on Gaza has been catastrophic, with 90% of its 2.3 million residents displaced. International aid organizations warn of famine and the collapse of essential services.
Celebrations erupted in Gaza following the ceasefire announcement. In contrast, in Israel, families of hostages and their supporters held demonstrations, urging the government to finalize the deal. Sharone Lifschitz, whose father remains captive in Gaza, expressed cautious hope, saying, “I won’t believe it until I see them come home.”
The ceasefire also represents a rare moment of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy collaboration. Jonathan Panikoff of the Atlantic Council noted the combined efforts of Biden and Trump highlighted the strength of a united diplomatic front.
Future Challenges
Despite the ceasefire, many questions remain unresolved. Netanyahu faces domestic scrutiny over the Oct. 7 security failures, while his coalition’s instability could lead to early elections. Hamas, though weakened by Israeli operations, retains significant influence in Gaza, complicating governance and reconstruction efforts.
The U.S. hopes to involve Saudi Arabia in postwar plans, potentially leading to normalization of relations with Israel. However, such plans hinge on progress toward a Palestinian state—a prospect opposed by much of Israel’s political leadership. Netanyahu has maintained that Israel will retain security control over Gaza and the West Bank, territories central to Palestinian aspirations for statehood.
