In a development marking a potential end to the devastating Gaza war, Hamas has approved a ceasefire deal brokered by international mediators.
Hamas and Israel agree to ceasefire: What we know so far
According to Al Jazeera Arabic, the proposal, which includes a prisoner exchange and humanitarian provisions, was delivered to mediators by the Hamas delegation.
US President-elect Donald Trump confirmed progress, stating, “We have a deal for the hostages,” adding that their release is expected soon.
As of now, Israel has not officially responded to the proposal, although thousands of citizens have rallied in Tel Aviv to call for a resolution to secure the release of captives.
The ceasefire announcement comes amid intensified Israeli attacks on Gaza.
Recent bombings targeted a school-turned-shelter and homes across the enclave, resulting in the deaths of 62 people in a 24-hour span.
Details of the ceasefire agreement
The ceasefire is set to unfold in multiple stages, with significant implications for both sides.
Key elements of the agreement include:
- The Israeli military will pull back to within 700 metres of Gaza’s border.
- Israel will release approximately 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including 250 serving life sentences.
- Palestinian factions will release 33 Israeli captives.
- Injured individuals in Gaza will be allowed to leave the enclave for medical treatment.
- Seven days after the first stage begins, the Rafah border crossing with Egypt will be opened.
Later stages of the agreement will see Israeli forces withdrawing entirely from the Philadelphi Corridor, the border area between Gaza and Egypt.
The Devastating Toll of the Gaza War
The war, which began on 7 October 2023, after a Hamas-led attack on Israel, has claimed the lives of at least 46,584 Palestinians and left over 109,700 injured, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
On the Israeli side, 1,139 people were killed during the initial Hamas attack, and over 200 were taken hostage.
The war’s human toll has been described as catastrophic. Despite international condemnation, including calls from the United Nations for a ceasefire, the conflict has raged on for over a year.
Aid efforts have been obstructed, leaving countless civilians trapped without basic necessities.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
The ceasefire, while a critical step toward de-escalation, leaves many questions unanswered.
With the war leaving Gaza in ruins, rebuilding efforts will require significant international cooperation. Additionally, the political landscape remains volatile, with trust between the parties at an all-time low.