The Middle East has seen a significant breakthrough with the announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, potentially ending 15 months of bloodshed in the Gaza Strip. The development comes after intense diplomatic efforts, with outgoing President Joe Biden describing the talks as “one of the toughest we have ever had.”
The agreement, backed by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, outlines a three-phase process aimed at restoring peace in the war-torn region. The initial phase, which is expected to last about six weeks, will see a gradual ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and the release of Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must now get approval from his Security Cabinet and the full Cabinet before moving forward on the deal. However, according to AFP, Netanyahu’s office has said that the Israeli Cabinet will not convene to vote on the deal until mediators are informed that Hamas has accepted all elements of the deal.
Israel’s Supreme Court would then have 24 hours to allow an appeal, paving the way for the ceasefire to take effect. Although the exact timeline is uncertain, the cease-fire is expected to begin on Sunday, provided all necessary approvals are obtained, according to NBC.
As soon as the ceasefire agreement comes into force, the focus will turn to the next phase of talks, which are expected to begin within 16 days. This phase will focus on ensuring a permanent ceasefire, the release of remaining hostages and the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
What impact will this have on Gaza?
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, with more than 46,500 people killed and 1.9 million displaced. The agreement states that at least 600 trucks of aid will be allowed into Gaza per day, with a significant portion allocated to northern Gaza, which has been severely affected by the conflict.
The initial phase of the ceasefire agreement will provide relief to Gaza as it has faced 15 months of deadly airstrikes and displacement without any aid. It would also see Israeli forces withdraw from central Gaza and allow displaced Palestinians to return to the area so they can begin searching for loved ones who have gone missing or are feared buried under debris.
As for Hamas, which has ruled Gaza since 2007, they will likely have to rebuild, with Yahya Sinwar’s brother Mohammed as the new leader, and since it has not been expelled, there will be no alternative to its rule. The alternative, at some point, will be to engage in operations involving the maintenance and reconstruction of the ceasefire.
The group’s survival and continued influence in the region will likely depend on its ability to navigate the complex web of international diplomacy and meet the basic needs of the Gaza population.
What is the way forward?
The international community, particularly the United States, Egypt, and Qatar, will play a key role in securing the agreement. These countries will act as guarantors, providing diplomatic support and monitoring to facilitate lasting peace.
The consequences of the conflict have left deep wounds, and the road to recovery will be long and challenging. As the people of Gaza look to the future, they do so with a mixture of hope and skepticism. This compromise, while promising, is delicate and requires careful nurturing to ensure its success.
