Syria: After hours of uncertainty, a long-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has finally taken effect in Gaza. The truce, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, was initially delayed after disagreements over the identification of hostages to be released by Hamas.
Delayed Implementation
The ceasefire was initially scheduled to begin earlier on Sunday but was postponed when Hamas failed to provide the names of three captives it planned to release. Tensions heightened when Israel stated it would not halt military operations until the list was received. About two hours later, Hamas published the names on social media, clearing the way for the ceasefire to commence at 11:15 AM local time.
Celebrations Amid Tragedy
Despite the ceasefire announcement, an Israeli airstrike in Deir al-Balah killed at least eight civilians just two hours before the truce began. The casualties were confirmed by Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.
Once the ceasefire was enforced, scenes of relief unfolded. In Khan Younis, displaced Palestinians celebrated by waving flags and singing, while armed Hamas members appeared briefly, cheered on by the crowd. In Gaza City, residents began returning to their homes, many carrying their belongings on donkey carts, despite evidence of heavy bombardment near the border.
Ceasefire Agreement Details
This ceasefire marks the second significant truce in the ongoing conflict, following a week-long cessation over a year ago. It represents the first step in a broader plan to resolve the 15-month war. Key elements include:
- The release of 33 hostages from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian detainees over the next 42 days.
- The withdrawal of Israeli troops into a designated buffer zone within Gaza.
- An increase in humanitarian aid to the war-torn region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized the ceasefire’s conditional nature, stating, “The truce will not proceed unless Israel has in its possession the list of hostages to be freed.”
A Fragile Path Forward
The ceasefire agreement is part of a multi-phase process to establish lasting peace. Negotiations for the second phase are set to begin in just over two weeks, with significant challenges ahead, including the release of nearly 100 remaining hostages and the possibility of renewed fighting after the initial six-week truce period.
As the region cautiously enters this fragile period of peace, the world watches closely, hoping for an end to a conflict that has displaced thousands and claimed countless lives.