A landmark ceasefire has been reached between Israel and Hamas, marking a potential end to the devastating 15-month war. The agreement includes the release of dozens of hostages and a pause in hostilities.
A landmark ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas , bringing an end to the devastating 15-month war that has ravaged the Gaza Strip . The deal, brokered by Qatar and the United States, will see the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and a pause in hostilities, marking a significant step towards ending the deadliest conflict in the region's history.
The Israeli government approved the ceasefire after an extended Cabinet meeting that stretched past the Jewish Sabbath, a testament to the gravity of the situation. Under Jewish law, all government business typically ceases during the Sabbath except for emergencies.The ceasefire will go into effect on Sunday, with the initial phase involving the release of 95 Palestinian prisoners, all female or underage, accused of various offenses ranging from incitement and vandalism to supporting terror activities and attempted murder. Israel's Prison Services will oversee the transportation of these prisoners, opting to avoid the involvement of the International Committee of the Red Cross, which handled such transfers during the first ceasefire, in an effort to prevent celebratory public gatherings. Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced by the conflict are expected to be allowed to return to areas from which Israeli forces will withdraw during the first phase.However, Israel has emphasized that the return of residents will not be unrestricted. Areas where troops are still present or close to the Israel-Gaza border will remain off-limits, and any perceived threats to Israeli forces will be met with a swift and forceful response. The ceasefire comes amidst a backdrop of continued bloodshed, with Gaza's Health Ministry reporting 88 casualties in the past 24 hours. The war, triggered by Hamas's October 7, 2023, cross-border attack on Israel that killed over 1,200 people and took 250 hostage, has resulted in a staggering death toll of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials. The agreement signals a crucial turning point in the conflict, offering a glimmer of hope for peace and a chance to address the humanitarian crisis that has gripped the Gaza Strip.The second phase, scheduled for negotiation during the first, will involve the release of the remaining hostages, including male soldiers. However, this phase is expected to be significantly more complex, as Hamas has insisted on a lasting ceasefire and a full Israeli withdrawal as prerequisites for the release of these captives. Israel, on the other hand, has vowed to continue its fight against Hamas, aiming to dismantle the group and maintain open-ended security control over the territory. The political landscape within Israel has also been strained by the ceasefire deal, with hard-line national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir threatening to resign from the government if the agreement is approved
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