CAIRO — A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is set to begin on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (0630 GMT), as announced by Qatar, which is mediating the negotiations. Families of hostages being held in Gaza are awaiting news, while Palestinians are preparing to welcome freed detainees. Humanitarian organizations are mobilizing to ensure a large-scale influx of aid arrives in the affected area.
Ahead of the ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation, emphasizing that Israel perceives the ceasefire as a temporary measure and retains the right to respond militarily if needed. He mentioned receiving support from President-elect Donald Trump, who encouraged him to “keep doing what you have to do.” Netanyahu defended the terms of the deal, despite dissent from the far-right within his government, notably from Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who announced his and his party’s intention to resign in protest.
Netanyahu previously indicated that the ceasefire would not proceed without receiving the names of hostages to be released, as part of the agreed conditions. Israel had anticipated that these names would come from Qatar, but no immediate response was provided by either Qatar or Hamas. The decision to approve the ceasefire deal by Israel’s Cabinet was taken during a special session on the Jewish Sabbath, setting off a wave of apprehension among families concerned about the fate of their loved ones still unaccounted for. Protests and vigils continued in Tel Aviv as people expressed their hopes and fears.
The ceasefire marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict, which has lasted 15 months and resulted in unprecedented casualties and destruction. This agreement emerged under substantial pressure from both Trump and outgoing President Joe Biden as the inauguration of the new administration approaches.
The first stage of the ceasefire will last 42 days, with discussions on a more complex second phase anticipated to commence in about two weeks. Following the initial six weeks, Israel’s security cabinet is expected to evaluate the situation and decide on further actions. Even as the ceasefire unfolds, Israeli airstrikes persisted, leading to further casualties, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting at least 23 deaths in the most recent 24-hour period.
Community members in both territories expressed feelings of devastation and uncertainty. Questions surrounding the timing and effectiveness of the ceasefire lingered, as exemplified by Abdallah Al-Aqad, who mourned the loss of his sister, killed just hours before the truce began.
During the first phase of the ceasefire, Israeli forces will retreat into a designated buffer zone within Gaza, about one kilometer wide along the border. Many Palestinians are left homeless due to extensive damage from the conflict and are eager to return to their communities despite the risks involved.
In a statement on X, Qatar’s foreign minister urged caution during the ceasefire and advised Palestinians to await further instructions from authorities. Israel’s military has set conditions for the ceasefire, including a prohibition on crossing the Netzarim corridor in central Gaza for the initial seven days and cautioning people against approaching Israeli soldiers.
Hopes are beginning to rise among the people. “The first thing I will do is go and check my house,” stated Mohamed Mahdi, a father displaced from Gaza City’s Zaytoun neighborhood. He expressed excitement about reuniting with family members in southern Gaza but remained anxious about potential violence.
The hostage exchange is poised to commence soon, with 33 hostages expected to be released over the next six weeks in return for 737 Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. Israel’s justice ministry has published lists of those eligible for release, primarily comprising women and young individuals. An organization for victims of Palestinian attacks has pledged to challenge the release in Israel’s Supreme Court.
Under the terms of the ceasefire, the exchange of hostages and prisoners will begin on Sunday at 4 p.m. local time (1400 GMT). Initially, three living female hostages are anticipated to be returned, followed by more in subsequent days. Among those being released is the youngest hostage, Kfir Bibas, whose second birthday is being recognized under deeply poignant circumstances.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza is expected to improve significantly, with a considerable influx of aid anticipated. Egypt’s foreign minister indicated that the Rafah crossing—the main outlet for aid into Gaza—will soon become operational after previous closures due to military actions in the region. Aid distribution will involve stringent inspections by Israeli authorities as part of the ongoing security measures.
Despite the rising hope generated by the resurgence of humanitarian efforts and the potential for hostage exchanges, the conflict has resulted in immense loss of life. Estimates display that the Hamas-led assault from October 2023 claimed around 1,200 lives, while Israeli operations have reportedly led to over 46,000 Palestinian deaths, complicating the delivery of aid and support in the region.
