Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on Friday that an agreement has been reached regarding the return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. This announcement followed earlier reports from his office about complications in the negotiations, which were focused on establishing a ceasefire in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners along with hostages. Netanyahu mentioned he would gather his security cabinet later that day, followed by the government meeting to offer their approval for the ceasefire.
Previously, Netanyahu’s office had indicated that his Cabinet would not convene to approve the ceasefire until Hamas had made concessions. The Israeli government accused the group of failing to fulfill aspects of the agreement as leverage for additional demands. In the backdrop of these negotiations, Israeli airstrikes in Gaza have reportedly resulted in at least 72 fatalities since the announcement of the ceasefire deal. Reports from Gaza indicated heavy bombardment as residents celebrated the potential ceasefire, recalling how both parties have often intensified military actions just prior to ceasefire agreements as a show of strength.
The anticipated ceasefire, predicted to commence on Sunday, includes the release of 33 hostages over the span of six weeks in exchange for hundreds of Palestinians held by Israel. The remaining hostages, including male soldiers, are slated for release in a second phase, contingent upon ongoing negotiations. However, Hamas has insisted that no further hostages will be freed without a comprehensive ceasefire and Israel’s complete withdrawal.
The ongoing Israeli military operation has led to more than 46,000 deaths in Gaza, with the majority being women and children, according to the Health Ministry, which has not specified how many deceased were militants. Israel claims to have eliminated over 17,000 fighters but has not substantiated these claims with evidence.
In a parallel development in the United States, President-elect Donald Trump emphasized that the ceasefire arrangement between Israel and Hamas must be finalized before he assumes office, suggesting his involvement was pivotal in the negotiations. He criticized President Biden’s administration for perceived inaction, stating a desire for the safe return of hostages.
As Gazans await the potential for improved living conditions after the ceasefire, many face the grim reality of their destroyed homes. According to satellite data, approximately 69% of structures in Gaza have been compromised, with over 245,000 homes impacted. The recovery entails not only restoring buildings but also clearing the estimated 50 million tons of rubble scattered across the territory, a monumental task likely taking over 15 years even with extensive machinery.
The ceasefire agreement does not clarify if the blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt since Hamas took control in 2007 will be lifted, raising concerns about the future rebuilding efforts. International investments in a region characterized by instability and repeated conflicts are uncertain, and the humanitarian situation remains dire, with widespread displacement in improvised tent camps expected to persist.
Netanyahu’s far-right ally, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has threatened to exit the government if the ceasefire passes but indicated that his party may rejoin if fighting continues. His party’s departure would not deprive Netanyahu’s coalition of its parliamentary majority but shows the divisions within the government regarding handling the conflict.
As Palestinian leaders in the West Bank prepare for a potential role in governing the Gaza Strip post-conflict, there remains ambiguity on who will assume authority in the region. Israeli suggestions of collaborating with local figures not aligned with Hamas raise questions about viable partnerships, given Hamas’s threats against collaborators.
The European Union plans to redeploy its monitoring mission at the Gaza-Egypt border, contingent on consent from both sides, though the reopening terms remain unresolved. Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence that the ceasefire deal will be executed as intended, despite the situational complexities.
Israeli military actions continue unabated, with reports of over 50 airstrikes in just one day targeting Hamas-related infrastructure, deepening the anxiety among Gazans who had hoped for a reduction in hostilities. As the region’s residents grapple with devastation and uncertainty, calls for peace and a return to normalcy ring louder, with many expressing a longing for safety and stability.
