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On a significant Friday morning, the Israeli government ratified a ceasefire agreement with the militant group Hamas, aiming to halt ongoing hostilities in Gaza within 24 hours. This breakthrough deal includes provisions for the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, expected to occur within 72 hours following the ceasefire.
The resolution came a day after mediators presented a framework for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This marks a crucial first step in U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to resolve the prolonged conflict that has engulfed Gaza for the last two years.
Details of the ceasefire agreement
In a statement via Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s English-language social media account, the government confirmed, “The framework for the release of all hostages — both the living and deceased — has just been approved.” The ceasefire promises to ease immediate tensions and aims to alleviate the humanitarian crisis that has escalated during the conflict.
The war has significantly impacted Israel’s standing globally, complicating relationships within the Middle East and involving nations such as Iran, Yemen, and Lebanon. Additionally, the conflict has raised concerns regarding U.S.-Israeli relations, with President Trump expressing frustration over the lack of progress and urging Netanyahu to negotiate.
Reactions from both sides
The announcement of the ceasefire was met with widespread relief and jubilation from both Israelis and Palestinians. The end of two years of violence, which has claimed over 67,000 Palestinian lives, was seen as a major step toward peace.
In Deir al-Balah, Gaza, the atmosphere transformed from the usual drone sounds to the cheerful sounds of car horns and lively chatter among residents.
Mahmoud Abdullah, a local resident, expressed cautious optimism regarding the agreement. “Is everything that happened finally over? No more bombing, no more drones, no more hunger?” he questioned, reflecting on his hardships, including multiple displacements since the war’s onset.
His hope resonated as he stated, “The happiness is too big to explain; the struggle of two million people will end soon.”
Understanding the implications of the deal
Hamas’s exiled leader, Khalil Al-Hayya, indicated he received assurances from the U.S. and other mediators that the conflict would indeed conclude. An Israeli spokesperson confirmed that the ceasefire would take effect shortly after government approval, followed by the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Currently, it is believed that 22 Israeli hostages are alive in Gaza, while 26 others are presumed dead, including Hadar Goldin, whose remains are thought to be in the territory. The families of the captured, such as Einav Zaugauker in Tel Aviv, expressed overwhelming emotions, stating, “I can’t breathe, I can’t explain what I’m feeling … it’s crazy,” as they awaited news of their loved ones.
Challenges ahead
Despite the hopeful developments, the path to lasting peace is fraught with challenges. A Palestinian source indicated that the list of prisoners to be released has not been finalized, with Hamas seeking the release of high-profile Palestinian convicts along with other detainees. Among those potentially included is Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Fatah leader serving multiple life sentences, viewed as a unifying figure among Palestinians.
As part of the agreement, governance of Gaza post-conflict will be managed by a transitional government composed of “qualified” Palestinians and international experts, with no role for Hamas. This government will report to a new oversight committee dubbed the “Board of Peace,” chaired by President Trump and including notable figures such as former U.K. Prime Minister Tony Blair.
The resolution came a day after mediators presented a framework for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This marks a crucial first step in U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to resolve the prolonged conflict that has engulfed Gaza for the last two years.0
Future outlook
The resolution came a day after mediators presented a framework for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This marks a crucial first step in U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to resolve the prolonged conflict that has engulfed Gaza for the last two years.1
The resolution came a day after mediators presented a framework for exchanging Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This marks a crucial first step in U.S. President Donald Trump’s broader initiative to resolve the prolonged conflict that has engulfed Gaza for the last two years.2
