Long-awaited ceasefire begins in Gaza
The long-awaited ceasefire has begun in Gaza. Israel has promised to refrain from airstrikes in the enclave for 42 days. The ceasefire came after fierce resistance, protests and long arguments. Despite the intense pain, sounds of joy can be heard in Gaza from the news, photos and videos published in the international media. Almost everything has been destroyed in the barbaric airstrikes: houses, streets, places of worship. Yet, they are returning home – this is where the joy of the Gazans lies.
After killing about 47,000 Palestinians in 15 months, Israel has seemingly ended this destructive war. The ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinian independence movement Hamas began to take effect on the eve of Joe Biden’s departure as US President and the day before the inauguration of the new President Donald Trump. However, many Palestinians can no longer trust Israel; Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his forces could resume fighting if necessary if they felt threatened. Their warlike nature was also evident yesterday; at least 19 more Palestinians were killed in their airstrikes three hours later than scheduled.
The ceasefire came into effect at 11:15 am local time on Sunday. Qatar, one of the mediators of the ceasefire agreement, first confirmed this information to the media. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al Ansari said in a statement that three Israeli women hostages were handed over to Israel through the Red Cross after the ceasefire began. Israel confirmed their return. In return, Israel is to release 90 Palestinian prisoners.
According to Abu Obeida, a spokesman for Hamas’ armed wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, they released Romi Gonen (24), Emily Damari (28) and Doron Steinbrecher (31) under the terms of the agreement.
The Israeli coalition government’s cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement in Gaza early Saturday. Earlier, Israel’s National Security Cabinet approved the ceasefire agreement last Friday.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas attacked Israel. About 1,200 people were killed in this attack. 251 people were taken hostage to Gaza.
On October 7, 2023, after Hamas carried out an armed attack inside Israel, killing about 1,200 people, the Israeli forces began an all-out military offensive that day. More than 110,000 people were injured and millions were displaced.
Hamas took 251 hostages in the attack and took them to Gaza. Some of the hostages were released under a previous temporary ceasefire. Some were killed while in Hamas custody. Israel says Hamas still holds 94 hostages, 34 of whom are feared dead. In the first phase of this ceasefire, Hamas will release a total of 33 hostages. In exchange, Israel will release several Palestinian prisoners. It will also withdraw troops from populated areas of Gaza. More aid and fuel will enter Gaza.
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