DOHA, Qatar — A breakthrough has been announced in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, as both parties have come to an agreement regarding a ceasefire. This decision, which mediators communicated on Wednesday, raises hopes for diminishing the severe hostilities that have plagued the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire, structured into three phases, is set to facilitate the release of numerous hostages captured by militants in Gaza, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israel. Additionally, the agreement aims to enable the safe return of hundreds of thousands of displaced individuals back to their homes, while ensuring that necessary humanitarian aid reaches the devastated region that has endured 15 months of warfare.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, the Prime Minister of Qatar, announced that the ceasefire is scheduled to commence on Sunday. He underscored that the success of this agreement relies on the commitment of both Israel and Hamas to act in good faith to prevent its breakdown. These discussions culminated in Doha, where intensive negotiations have taken place over the past weeks.
In a statement from Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden expressed his support for the ceasefire while highlighting the need for ongoing negotiations to maintain peace. He acknowledged that months of dedicated American diplomacy contributed to this development, mentioning a unified stance between his administration and that of President-elect Donald Trump during the recent discussions.
While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed on Wednesday that the ceasefire agreement with Hamas is still in the works, the final aspects are being negotiated to ensure clarity around the list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release. Netanyahu indicated that the agreement awaits his Cabinet’s approval.
Netanyahu conveyed gratitude toward both Trump and Biden for their roles in fostering the ceasefire agreement but refrained from stating a definitive acceptance until the details of the agreement are finalized. His cautious stance may reflect the political dynamics within his governing coalition, which must navigate the interests of hardline factions that have expressed opposition to releasing Palestinian prisoners. Despite opposition leaders supporting the ceasefire, Netanyahu faces potential challenges to his coalition should he alienate his hardline allies.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog publicly urged the government to back the ceasefire during a televised address. In contrast, Hamas celebrated the announcement as a testament to the resilience and bravery of the Palestinian people and their resistance.
Following the ceasefire announcement, mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States are expected to convene in Cairo for discussions focused on implementing the agreement, according to an unnamed senior U.S. official.
Once the first phase initiates, it is anticipated to provide a temporary cessation of hostilities for six weeks, during which an initial set of 33 hostages is expected to be reunited with their families after enduring months of confinement away from the outside world.
However, uncertainties remain regarding the exact timetable for the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes and whether this ceasefire will result in a complete halt to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza, a core demand from Hamas.
Various long-range queries persist concerning Gaza’s future leadership and the enormous task of reconstruction, particularly after the destruction wrought by the intense conflict that has unsettled the broader Middle East and incited global protests.
The conflict escalated following Hamas’s cross-border incursion on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals in Israel and the capture of about 250 hostages. In its retaliation, Israel has conducted a comprehensive military campaign that has reportedly resulted in the deaths of over 46,000 Palestinians, according to local health officials, who indicate that women and children comprise a significant portion of those casualties.
Over the past month, more than 100 hostages were released during a weeklong truce in November 2023. The U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, has mediated extensive indirect negotiations that have culminated in this current ceasefire agreement, following a recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah amidst more than a year of conflict tied to the Gaza war.
According to assessments from U.N. and international relief organizations, approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, often multiple times, amid the destruction of tens of thousands of homes and the near-total dysfunction of healthcare facilities. Experts have warned of looming famine conditions in northern Gaza.
Abed Radwan, a father of three displaced from Beit Lahiya, shared his elation regarding the ceasefire agreement, calling it “the best day in my life and the life of the Gaza people.” Despite staying in Gaza City and yearning to return to his home, he expressed hope that reconstruction efforts would follow. His sentiments were echoed by the jubilant atmosphere surrounding him, as many locals celebrated the announcement.
In Israel, groups of demonstrators gathered outside the military headquarters in Tel Aviv, pressing for the agreement to be finalized. Many carried signs featuring images of hostages held captive by Hamas while others lit candles in a show of solidarity. Sharone Lifschitz, whose father remains in captivity, expressed her cautious optimism, stating her yearning to reunite with him but reserving belief until she sees the hostages return safely.
The Hostage Families Forum, an advocacy group for the families of captives, reacted to the announcement with a combination of joy and relief, voicing that they are now closer than ever to reuniting with their loved ones after 460 days of captivity.
Biden, while voicing support for Israel with essential military assistance, has also expressed discontent regarding civilian casualties in Gaza. The ceasefire outline, revealed on May 31, has now evolved into the agreement at hand, which envisions a full ceasefire, withdrawal of Israeli troops from populated areas, and the progression of humanitarian assistance.
The second phase will involve the release of all remaining living hostages, including male soldiers, while demanding the withdrawal of Israeli forces. The final phase will focus on significant reconstruction efforts in Gaza, which will need extensive rebuilding following the devastation.
While Hamas insists on guarantees for a permanent end to the war and total withdrawal of forces, Israel has continuously stated it will persist with military action until it dismantles Hamas’ capabilities.
As Biden approaches the end of his presidency and Trump prepares for his return, both sides have felt mounting pressure to finalize an agreement. Trump publicly celebrated the announcement via his social media channel, asserting a deal for the hostages had been reached.
Analysts have noted that Biden’s continued resolve in pushing negotiations deserves commendation, while recognizing Trump’s aggressive approach toward Hamas contributed to the resolution as well. This agreement demonstrates how U.S. foreign policy can effectively function under bipartisan support.
While tensions with Iran and its allies persist, Israel faces criticism from the international community over civilian casualties. Israel claims to have neutralized a large number of militants but has been met with skepticism regarding the numbers provided.
Further scrutiny also looms over the domestic level, as Netanyahu faces growing calls for accountability regarding security lapses from the October 7 attacks, an event that has caught national attention. The far-right factions within his coalition pose a threat to stability, calling into question the future of his leadership amid the conflict’s continuing fallout.
As discussions for post-war governance loom, uncertainty prevails over whether Hamas will remain a dominant force in the region or if legitimate partners can be secured to aid in Gaza’s reconstruction and management. Meanwhile, U.S. ambitions for achieving a lasting solution require sincere progress towards establishing a Palestinian state, which remains contentious within Israeli politics.
If no firm postwar arrangement emerges, Hamas may maintain its influence and potentially regain military strength, should Israeli forces withdraw completely, leaving multiple challenges unanswered as both parties navigate this fragile phase of the conflict.
