In a significant development, Israel and Hamas on Wednesday reached a ceasefire agreement aimed at halting the 15-month-long war, according to Reuters.
The war, which began on October 7, 2023, following an unprecedented rocket assault on Israel by Hamas militants, has pushed the Middle East to the brink of prolonged instability. The resulting devastation has been catastrophic, with thousands of civilians caught in the crossfire.
According to reports, the ceasefire agreement will usher in a six-week preliminary phase, during which Israeli troops will begin a gradual withdrawal from Gaza. Additionally, the deal facilitates an exchange of hostages held by both sides, offering a glimmer of relief to families who have endured months of uncertainty and fear.
The ceasefire deal is the result of months of painstaking negotiations led by Egypt and Qatar, with backing from the United States. Its timing is notable, coming just days before U.S. President-elect Donald Trump’s second inauguration.
Hamas, according to Reuters, has confirmed its approval of the agreement and expressed readiness to release hostages as part of the truce. The international community will be watching closely as both sides work to implement the deal and end a conflict that has inflicted immense suffering on countless lives.
According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, Israel’s genocide in Gaza has killed at least 46,707 Palestinians and wounded 110,265 since October 7, 2023. At least 1,139 people were killed in Israel during the Hamas-led attacks that day and more than 200 were taken captive.
