A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has come into effect in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant pause in hostilities after a three-hour delay. The ceasefire, which began on Sunday, brings a temporary halt to a conflict that has persisted for 15 months, creating widespread devastation and triggering seismic political shifts throughout the Middle East. Brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, this agreement is the culmination of months of intermittent negotiations aimed at quelling violence in the region.
The terms of the ceasefire require both parties to make substantial concessions. Hamas is set to release 33 hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. The first three hostages—female captives—are expected to be freed through the Red Cross on Sunday. These hostages include women, children, men over 50, as well as the ill and wounded. The release of hostages signifies the first phase of a three-stage agreement, with further discussions anticipated in the coming weeks and months.
Israel's military strategy during the conflict has left much of Gaza in ruins, with Gaza-based health authorities reporting nearly 47,000 Palestinian casualties. In parallel, Israel has committed to ensuring Hamas does not regain power, having cleared extensive areas within Gaza to establish a buffer zone. The ongoing presence of Israeli forces had seen them positioned in Gaza's Rafah, but on Sunday, they began withdrawing to the Philadelphi corridor along the border between Egypt and Gaza.
In addition to the human cost, the war has impacted regional dynamics significantly. Iran, a supporter of Hamas, has witnessed its "Axis of Resistance" weakened, unable to deliver substantial damage to Israel. Despite losing top leaders and thousands of fighters, Hamas has endured and maintained control over Gaza for almost two decades.
The ceasefire deal comes after Hamas's initial delay in providing a list of hostages slated for release due to "technical" issues. This delay postponed the original timeline for the agreement's implementation by nearly three hours. Nonetheless, the deal stipulates that Hamas must inform the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) about the designated meeting point within Gaza for hostage collection.
The current truce could potentially signal an end to a war that initiated on October 7, 2023, following a fatal attack by Hamas on Israel that resulted in approximately 1,200 deaths. As part of the ceasefire's conditions, efforts are underway to facilitate the safe return of hostages and ease tensions within the region.
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