Post by : Rameen Ariff

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Friday in Gaza, raising hopes of ending a devastating two-year war that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians and left the region in ruins. The Israeli military confirmed the truce hours after the Cabinet approved an agreement to pause hostilities and exchange remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners.

Following the announcement, tens of thousands of Palestinians who had gathered in Wadi Gaza began moving north. Earlier on Friday, residents reported heavy shelling in various parts of Gaza, though no significant attacks were reported after the ceasefire took effect.

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 Israelis and the capture of 251 hostages. Israel’s retaliatory offensive killed over 67,000 Palestinians and injured nearly 170,000, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, with women and children comprising around half of the casualties.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ceasefire’s next steps involve Hamas disarmament and demilitarization of Gaza. “If this is achieved the easy way – so be it. If not – it will be achieved the hard way,” Netanyahu said. Israeli Brig. Gen. Effie Defrin confirmed that troops had completed withdrawal to new deployment lines within Gaza.

Under the ceasefire deal, all 48 hostages still held by Hamas are expected to be released, though only around 20 are believed alive. In return, Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, excluding some high-profile figures such as Marwan Barghouti, whom Israel considers a terrorist mastermind. Hamas confirmed that all women and children in Israeli jails will be freed. The prisoner and hostage releases are expected to begin between Sunday night and Monday.

The agreement will also allow five border crossings, including the Rafah crossing to Egypt, to reopen. This will facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza, where parts of the population are experiencing famine. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher confirmed that 170,000 metric tons of medicine, food, and aid are ready for transport once approved.

The ceasefire is part of a broader plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes Israel maintaining a military presence along the border, an international force from Arab and Muslim countries securing Gaza internally, and the Palestinian Authority eventually taking a role after long-term reforms. The plan also envisions massive international reconstruction efforts, though the details of a future Palestinian state remain unclear, with Netanyahu firmly rejecting it.

While the ceasefire offers hope for peace, major questions remain about Hamas disarmament, governance in Gaza, and the long-term political future of the region. Nevertheless, the pause in fighting marks a significant step toward ending one of the deadliest conflicts in the region’s recent history.

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