Israel and Hamas have reached a significant agreement to implement a ceasefire and facilitate the release of hostages held in Gaza. This development comes after prolonged negotiations following the unprecedented cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. During this attack, approximately 1,200 people were killed, and 251 others were taken hostage. As of now, 94 hostages remain in Gaza, with 60 presumed alive and 34 confirmed dead.
The agreement spans three phases, with the initial phase set to last six weeks. In this phase, 33 hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners. The release will prioritize women, children, and elderly individuals. The Israeli cabinet is expected to approve this agreement imminently, marking a crucial step towards resolving the ongoing conflict.
Negotiations have already facilitated the release of 109 hostages. However, the remains of 40 hostages have been retrieved by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) from Gaza. Tragically, three hostages were accidentally killed by the IDF on December 15, 2023.
The ceasefire aims to bring temporary relief to Gaza's besieged population. Since the onset of the conflict on October 7, more than 46,700 people have lost their lives in Gaza, according to reports from the territory's Hamas-run health ministry. The humanitarian situation remains dire, with severe shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter affecting most of the displaced 2.3 million residents.
The final stage of the agreement envisions the reconstruction of Gaza and the return of any remaining hostages' bodies. This phase represents a crucial step towards peace and stability in the region.
Yehuda Cohen, a father anxiously awaiting his son's return, expressed mixed emotions about the deal.
"I can be the father of Nimrod once Nimrod is back here," said Yehuda Cohen.
His sentiments reflect both hope and uncertainty as families like his anticipate the reunion with their loved ones.
"I haven't talked to him for 15 months, seen him, heard him…I'm fighting to get back to be Nimrod's father," he added.
The conflict began when Israel launched a campaign against Hamas in response to the deadly cross-border attack. This operation aimed to dismantle the militant group responsible for the assault and resulting hostage crisis.
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