The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas is set to take effect at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, as announced by Qatar, which has taken on a mediatory role in the conflict. This truce will temporarily halt over 15 months of ongoing hostilities, facilitating the release of various hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, alongside hundreds of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel. Israel’s Cabinet agreed to the ceasefire early Saturday morning, with the initial release of hostages expected to commence.
This ceasefire marks the second temporary truce brokered following intense months of dialogue led by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The conflict escalated significantly after Hamas launched an attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals in southern Israel, alongside hundreds taken captive. Reports indicate that nearly 100 hostages still remain in Gaza. The Israeli response has led to catastrophic depredations, with local health sources estimating Palestinian casualties surpassing 46,000, noting that more than half of the fatalities are women and children.
Thousands of demonstrators rallied in London on Saturday, urging for the complete enforcement of this ceasefire agreement. The Metropolitan Police reported arrests during the protest, with some individuals breaching police lines. The Palestine Solidarity Campaign, which has organized numerous significant rallies since the onset of the conflict, affirmed that their advocacy would persist despite the truce. Campaign director Ben Jamal emphasized ongoing demands, such as the enforcement of the ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, alongside the release of Palestinians incarcerated in Israel.
In Ramallah, the spouse of Nael Barghouti, the longest-held Palestinian prisoner, expressed her eagerness to reunite with him after a decade. Barghouti is among the prominent prisoners expected to be released under the ceasefire arrangement. Arrested in 1978 and previously released in 2011, his re-imprisonment occurred in 2014. His wife, Iman, expressed concerns over the potential deportation that would hinder their reunion.
In Israeli political news, Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, representing far-right views, announced his intention to resign in protest against the ceasefire agreement, labeling it as “reckless.” While his departure from the government would not dismantle the current administration, it adds instability during a critical period.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasized a prerequisite for the ceasefire’s efficacy—receiving the names of the hostages designated for release by Hamas, with expectations for this information to arrive Saturday afternoon. A delay has been reported, raising tensions regarding the agreement. Furthermore, an Israeli military official confirmed that Palestinians would be unable to navigate the Netzarim corridor for the initial week of the ceasefire, with limited details on the subsequent situation once Israeli withdrawal begins.
As preparations for the ceasefire continue, Egypt’s foreign minister indicated that the Rafah crossing to facilitate humanitarian aid into Gaza would soon be operational. This crossing has been closed since the onset of conflict last year, but plans are in place for a daily influx of trucks, with a significant portion allocated for fuel.
In Israel, an organization representing victims of violence announced plans to petition the Supreme Court to halt the release of Palestinian prisoners, asserting that it would pose future risks to safety. This follows previous prisoner releases, which some claim resulted in further attacks. In the interim, UN Secretary-General António Guterres highlighted the multifaceted challenges facing humanitarian aid distribution in Gaza post-ceasefire, addressing concerns about looting and infrastructure degradation, while asserting that Israel must facilitate unhindered aid entry.
Israeli authorities reported a serious stabbing incident in Tel Aviv over the weekend, underscoring ongoing security challenges. Amidst these tensions, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan described the ceasefire as a “hopeful development,” urging for international pressure on Israel to uphold the agreement without reverting to previous confrontations.
In a separate incident, Yemen-based Houthi rebels claimed responsibility for missile strikes targeting Israel, prompting sirens to sound in central regions. Concurrently, the family of Kfir Bibas, the youngest hostage from the October attacks, commemorated his second birthday in captivity amidst efforts to secure his release.
As the ceasefire initiates, the Israeli Justice Ministry released a comprehensive list of Palestinian prisoners expected to gain their freedom. This list notably includes members of militant groups, raising discussions on the implications of their release. The ceasefire serves as a pivotal moment in a protracted conflict, with both sides anticipating its ramifications in the coming weeks.
