Ceasefire Between Israel and Hamas Takes Effect in Gaza, Israeli Military Says
Gaza Strip (AP) - A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas officially began in Gaza on Friday, as announced by the Israeli military. This development came just hours after Israel's Cabinet approved a deal to pause the fighting and exchange the remaining hostages for Palestinian prisoners.
Mass Movement in Gaza
Following the Israeli military's noon announcement, tens of thousands of people who had gathered in Wadi Gaza in central Gaza began walking north. Earlier that day, Palestinians reported heavy shelling in parts of Gaza, but no significant bombardment was noted after the ceasefire announcement.
A Step Towards Peace
This ceasefire represents a crucial step toward ending a devastating two-year war that has claimed the lives of tens of thousands of Palestinians, left much of Gaza in ruins, destabilized the Middle East, and resulted in numerous hostages, both living and deceased, in the territory.
Unanswered Questions
Despite this progress, many questions remain about the broader plan advanced by U.S. President Donald Trump. These include whether and how Hamas will disarm and who will govern Gaza.
Netanyahu's Stance
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised statement on Friday, insisted that the next stages would involve Hamas disarming and Gaza being demilitarized. "If this is achieved the easy way — so be it. If not — it will be achieved the hard way," Netanyahu stated, emphasizing that Hamas agreed to the deal only under extreme pressure.
Troops Withdrawal
The military reported that Israeli troops had started to withdraw to agreed-upon deployment lines. An Israeli security official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the situation, mentioned that the military would control around 50% of Gaza in their new positions.
Intensified Shelling
In the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza, Mahmoud Sharkawy, who was sheltering there after being displaced from Gaza City, reported that artillery shelling intensified early Friday before the military's announcement. "The shelling has significantly increased today," Sharkawy said, noting the presence of low-flying military aircraft over central Gaza.
Confusion in Gaza City
Residents of Gaza City in the north also reported shelling early Friday. "It is confusing, we have been hearing shelling all night despite the ceasefire news," said Heba Garoun, who fled her home in eastern Gaza City after it was destroyed.
The War's Beginning
The conflict began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages.
Devastating Impact
In the Israeli offensive that followed, more than 67,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza and nearly 170,000 wounded, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. The ministry, part of the Hamas-run government, is considered a reliable source by the United Nations and many independent experts.
Global Repercussions
The war has also triggered other regional conflicts, sparked worldwide protests, and led to allegations of genocide, which Israel denies.
The Agreement's Expected Outcome
Under the deal, Israeli troops will withdraw to new positions in Gaza, and all 48 hostages still in captivity are expected to be released. Israel believes around 20 of them are alive.
Prisoner Exchange
In exchange, Israel will release around 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. Notably, the list of prisoners published by Israel did not include Marwan Barghouti, a prominent Palestinian leader.
Hamas' Announcement
Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official, announced that all women and children held in Israeli jails would be freed.
Hostage and Prisoner Release Timeline
The hostage and prisoner releases are expected to begin on Monday, according to Egyptian and Hamas officials, though another source suggested they could start as early as Sunday night. All living hostages are expected to be released simultaneously, followed by the bodies of the deceased.
Reopening of Border Crossings
Five border crossings, including the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt, are expected to reopen, allowing aid to flow into the territory, where some areas are experiencing famine.
Humanitarian Aid Ready
Tom Fletcher, the U.N. humanitarian chief, reported that officials have 170,000 metric tons of medicine, aid, and other supplies ready for transport into Gaza once they receive the go-ahead.
Trump Plan Details
The Trump plan calls for Israel to maintain an open-ended military presence inside Gaza, along its border with Israel. An international force, primarily composed of troops from Arab and Muslim countries, would handle security inside Gaza.
U.S. Involvement
To support and monitor the ceasefire deal, U.S. officials announced they would send about 200 troops to Israel as part of a broader international team.
Reconstruction Efforts
The U.S. will also lead a massive, internationally funded reconstruction effort.
Future Role of the Palestinian Authority
The plan envisions a role for the Palestinian Authority, which Netanyahu has long opposed. However, it requires the authority to undergo significant reforms, which could take years.
Uncertainty About a Palestinian State
The Trump plan remains vague about the future of a Palestinian state, a concept that Netanyahu firmly rejects.
Controversial Points and Questions
This ceasefire and the broader plan raise several controversial points and questions. Will Hamas truly disarm? Who will ultimately govern Gaza? And how will the international community ensure lasting peace in the region?
Your Thoughts
What do you think about the ceasefire and the proposed plan? Do you believe it will lead to lasting peace, or are there too many unresolved issues? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
