Synopsis
On January 19, a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas commenced, promising six weeks of peace amid hopes for an end to prolonged conflict and the release of hostages. Despite the ceasefire, the situation remains precarious as both sides navigate the terms of the agreement.Key Takeaways
- Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas initiated
- Release of hostages and prisoners expected
- Humanitarian aid to Gaza significantly increased
- Continued military presence noted prior to ceasefire
- Regional stability concerns emphasized by Israeli officials
Tel Aviv, Jan 19 (NationPress) A fragile ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas commenced on Sunday, heralding six weeks of tranquility and igniting hopes for a conclusion to 15 months of Israeli offensives on Gaza, which have left the region in ruins, as well as for the release of numerous hostages held captive.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed the ceasefire by nearly three hours after Hamas failed to meet an 8:30 a.m. (0630 GMT) deadline to submit the names of the first three hostages slated for release later that day. Hamas attributed the delay to technical issues but ultimately provided the list, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
At 11:15 a.m. local time (0915 GMT), the Israeli military instructed its units in Gaza to cease fire, marking the onset of the truce facilitated after nearly a year of negotiations involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.
An Israeli official verified the names of the hostages: Emily Damari, 28, a British-Israeli; Doron Steinbrecher, 30, a veterinary nurse; and Romi Gonen, 23, who was abducted from the Nova music festival.
They will be handed over to the Red Cross before being taken to a military facility near the Gaza border and subsequently transported to Sheba Medical Center outside Tel Aviv, where they will reunite with their families. The hospital confirmed that private areas have been arranged for them to begin their recovery in seclusion.
In return, Israel is anticipated to release approximately 90 Palestinian detainees from the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, mainly women and minors.
Israeli tanks and aircraft continued to bombard Gaza until the last moments before the ceasefire. The Israeli military asserted that its strikes were aimed at militants, while health authorities in Gaza reported at least 14 fatalities and 25 injuries on the final day of fighting. Black smoke rose over northern Gaza as airstrikes persisted.
Broadcasts from Gaza depicted Palestinians freely walking in the streets for the first time since a prior truce collapsed in late 2023, waving flags and celebrating. Aid trucks were spotted entering the enclave, delivering essential flour and other supplies to the local populace.
In northern Gaza's Jabalia and Rafah, displaced individuals returned to scenes of extensive destruction, with buildings razed and infrastructure in ruins. Most of Gaza's 2.3 million residents experienced multiple displacements throughout the conflict.
The Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza reported a staggering death toll of 46,913, with 110,750 injuries resulting from the Israeli strikes since October 2023.
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered in Hostage Square to express solidarity with the families of those still held in Gaza and to call on the Israeli government to adhere to the ceasefire agreement. A large digital clock displayed the duration of the hostages' captivity since their abduction during Hamas' cross-border assault on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 individuals dead and resulted in the abduction of 251 others. Currently, nearly 100 hostages remain in Gaza, with Israeli estimates suggesting that half are still alive.
According to the three-phase agreement, Hamas will release the final 14 hostages only if Israel fulfills the deal's stipulations, including a complete withdrawal from Gaza and cessation of hostilities. In the first phase, fighting will halt for 42 days, during which Hamas is expected to free 33 hostages, including women, children, and men over 50. In return, Israel will release between 990 and 1,650 Palestinian prisoners, encompassing all women and minors under 19.
The Israeli military announced the commencement of withdrawing ground forces from Gaza as part of the truce. Troops are anticipated to retreat to a perimeter around the Gaza Strip and the Netzarim Corridor, which separates northern and southern Gaza. By the 42nd day of the ceasefire, forces are expected to start withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor along the Gaza-Egypt border, completing the withdrawal by the 50th day.
Videos circulating on social media showcased tanks and military vehicles exiting Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar emphasized in a press briefing that Hamas must be ousted from power to ensure regional stability. "If Hamas remains in power, the instability it causes will continue," he stated.
The agreement permits a significant uptick in aid to Gaza, with at least 600 trucks daily delivering supplies, including fuel to restore electricity.
