The Gaza ceasefire took effect on Sunday at 11:15 am local time (09:15 GMT, 2:45 pm IST), hours after its initially scheduled start. This followed Hamas’s release of the names of three Israeli hostages, marking a significant step in halting a 15-month-long conflict that has reshaped the political and humanitarian landscape in the Middle East.
Delay and Continued Strikes
The truce was delayed on orders from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who insisted that the ceasefire could not begin until the list of hostages to be freed was received. In a statement, Netanyahu’s office reiterated that the ceasefire will remain subject to that condition.
During the delay, Israel continued its airstrikes in Gaza, resulting in the deaths of 13 Palestinians, as reported by medics. Gaza’s civil defense agency confirmed ongoing strikes during this period, and the Israeli military admitted to operations within the territory. Hamas attributed the delay to technical difficulty, field challenge, and active bombing.
In the end, Hamas published the names of the first three hostages—Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari—more than 3 hours past the original deadline.
Ceasefire Agreement and Hostage Exchange
The truce is an installment within a tripartite agreement negotiated by Qatar, the US, and Egypt. The initial period will span 6 weeks and consist of the early release of 33 out of 98 hostages still seized by Hamas. As a gesture of reciprocity Israel is releasing nearly 2,000 Palestinians, including women, children, the elderly men, and the sick/wounded.
The odontological definitions state that for every Israeli hostage released 30 Palestinian prisoners will be set free. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is tasked with facilitating the exchange, including coordinating the meeting points within Gaza to secure the hostages’ release.
The Israel-Hamas War
The fighting started on October 7, 2023, after the attack on Israel conducted by Hamas, resulting in more than 1,200 fatalities. In reaction, Israel inflicted havoc on Gaza and at least 47,000 Palestinians killed.
War has also exacerbated the sectarian tensions in the Middle East, if that is so, it has worsened the competition between Israel and Iran, the main supporter of Hamas and other terrorist organizations.
Broader Implications
The ceasefire falls on the last day before Donald Trump becomes U.S. President, and there are doubts that his U.S. administration may greatly affect the dynamics of the region. Although the ceasefire holds promises of an end to the violence, experts warn that its effectiveness lies in compliance with its conditions by both sides.
Conclusion
The partial and late ceasefire constitutes a turning point in the Israel-Hamas conflict. With the hostage exchange underway and international mediators actively involved, the focus now shifts to the implementation of the truce and its potential to pave the way for long-term peace in the region.
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