Quick Summary:
• A cease-fire between Israel and Hamas took effect three hours late on Sunday morning, during which Israeli forces killed at least 19 Palestinians and injured over 36 in Gaza.
• The agreement was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and both the Biden and incoming Trump administrations, following 15 months of intense conflict that devastated Gaza.
• The first phase of the deal includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages and 1,904 Palestinian detainees over six weeks, starting with three Israeli women and 90 Palestinian prisoners.
• Humanitarian aid, including over 600 daily aid trucks, is set to enter Gaza during the cease-fire, as Palestinians face a severe humanitarian crisis.
• The Gaza Ministry of Health reports over 46,000 deaths and 110,750 injuries since October 2023, though the actual numbers are likely much higher.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has indicated the cease-fire is temporary and vowed to resume military operations, while far-right coalition members have criticized the deal.
• Both U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have claimed credit for facilitating the agreement, with Biden calling it one of his toughest negotiations.
A cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, brokered after extensive negotiations by Egypt, Qatar, and both the outgoing Biden and incoming Trump administrations, took effect Sunday morning. However, a three-hour delay in its implementation proved deadly, as Israeli forces continued to launch attacks during this period, reportedly killing at least 19 Palestinians. The pause in fighting comes after over 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza, with devastating humanitarian consequences.
The cease-fire was scheduled to begin at 8:30 a.m. local time but was delayed until 11:30 a.m. At least 19 Palestinians were killed and more than 36 were injured during the delay, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated during this time that they were “continuing to operate and strike terrorist targets in Gaza.” This delay followed accusations by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Hamas had not submitted a required list of captives slated for release.
Hamas, however, refuted the claims, emphasizing that it remained committed to the agreement. The delay underscored the fragile nature of the cease-fire, which aims to halt fighting and facilitate hostage exchanges and humanitarian aid deliveries.
The agreement, set to last six weeks, will unfold in three phases. During the first phase, 33 Israeli hostages and 1,904 Palestinian detainees are to be exchanged. On Sunday, the process began with the release of three Israeli women—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—who were transferred by the International Committee of the Red Cross to Israeli forces. Hamas also released a list of 90 Palestinian prisoners, including minors and women.
The deal also allows for a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza, where the situation has been described as a humanitarian catastrophe. Reports indicate that over 46,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began in October 2023, though the true death toll is believed to be much higher due to underreporting and inaccessible areas.
While Palestinians in Gaza celebrated the cease-fire with cautious hope, many expressed grief over the immense losses suffered during the conflict. Videos showed people rejoicing, visiting graves, and attempting to locate missing loved ones amid the devastation.
Netanyahu, under pressure from far-right members of his coalition, has signaled that the cease-fire is temporary, stating his intent to resume operations after the hostage exchanges are complete. The Otzma Yehudit party, led by Itamar Ben-Gvir, announced its withdrawal from Netanyahu’s coalition, calling the deal a “victory for terrorism.”
In Jerusalem, U.S. President Joe Biden reflected on the painstaking negotiations that led to the deal, describing it as “one of the toughest negotiations” he has been part of. President-elect Donald Trump also took credit for the agreement, calling it “a first step toward lasting peace in the Middle East.”
The success of the cease-fire depends on adherence to its terms by both parties. The delay in its implementation and reports of continued strikes raise concerns about its longevity. The release of hostages and detainees, the movement of displaced Palestinians, and the provision of humanitarian aid will be critical tests in the coming weeks.
As of Sunday, Gaza health authorities report 46,913 fatalities and over 110,750 injuries since the beginning of the conflict, with thousands of individuals still missing. Whether this cease-fire can pave the way for lasting peace or serves as a temporary reprieve remains uncertain.
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