Gaza Ceasefire deal: Will this finally end the conflict?

International Desk

Published: January 16, 2025, 04:14 PM

Gaza Ceasefire deal: Will this finally end the conflict?

Source: Collected

After 15 months of relentless violence, Gaza is on the verge of a ceasefire agreement, expected to start on Sunday. This follows a six-week temporary truce between Israel and Hamas, which was agreed upon earlier.

Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, who helped mediate the discussions, said that the deal will come into effect once it receives approval from the Israeli parliament. BBC Bangla reports this update.

U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his relief, saying, "This deal will put an end to the violence in Gaza, bring more humanitarian aid to the Palestinians, and allow hostages to reunite with their families."

However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pointed out that more work remains before everything is finalized. He thanked both President Biden and former U.S. President Donald Trump for their support in reaching the agreement.

Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya called the ceasefire a "victory" for the Palestinians, describing it as a result of their ongoing "resistance."

This ceasefire agreement involves three key phases: halting the fighting, withdrawing Israeli forces, and releasing hostages held by Hamas.

But even with the announcement of the ceasefire, the violence hasn‍‍`t stopped. Hamas‍‍` Civil Defense Agency reported that over 20 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes following the ceasefire declaration.

Three-Step Plan for Peace in Gaza

Qatar’s Prime Minister has urged both Israel and Hamas to remain calm. He mentioned that Hamas will free 33 hostages in exchange for the release of a large number of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails.

Israeli forces will also begin withdrawing from heavily populated areas in Gaza, moving to the east. This will allow displaced Palestinians to return to their homes.

Furthermore, hundreds of aid trucks will be allowed to enter Gaza daily, bringing in essential supplies for the population.

The second phase of the agreement will focus on discussions about releasing the remaining hostages and Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza to ensure "lasting peace."

The third phase will address the rebuilding of Gaza, a process expected to take years. The release of any remaining hostages will also be part of these talks.

Sheikh Mohammed Al Thani said that the full details of the agreement will be revealed in a few days once everything is finalized.

He added that Qatar, along with the U.S. and Egypt, played a crucial role in brokering the deal and will continue to ensure that both sides follow the agreed terms.

Can This Deal Finally End the Gaza War?

White House National Security Communications Advisor John Kirby spoke to BBC News, explaining the importance of the next steps in the ceasefire deal.

Kirby shared that after hostages are freed and aid distribution begins, Israel and Hamas will move to the second phase of the three-step ceasefire agreement.

He stressed that the second phase is especially important, as it focuses on unresolved matters, including the potential withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the possibility of ending the war permanently.

"The second phase is crucial," Kirby said, "because if we can get that far, there’s a real chance that this war could finally end for good."

When asked if achieving this is possible, Kirby said, "We believe it is. This is a strong deal."

He also noted, "It’s going to take solid leadership and careful execution to make it work."

The conflict, which began on October 7, 2023, started when Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing around 1,200 Israelis and capturing 251 hostages, taking them to Gaza.

Israel retaliated with widespread airstrikes on Gaza. According to the health ministry controlled by Hamas, more than 46,700 Palestinians have been killed in the airstrikes so far.

The conflict has displaced a large portion of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, who now face a dire shortage of food, fuel, medicine, and safe shelters.

Israel has claimed that Hamas still holds 94 of its citizens, with 60 believed to be alive and 34 presumed dead.

 

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