DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas came into effect on Sunday, initiating a cautious six-week period of tranquility. This development gives rise to optimism for the potential release of numerous hostages held by militants and seeks to bring an end to the ongoing turmoil of the past 15 months. However, the fragile nature of this truce was evident when Hamas delayed its commencement by nearly three hours.
Before the ceasefire officially began, scenes of jubilation emerged throughout the war-torn region, with many Palestinians returning to their homes. In conjunction, Israeli authorities disclosed the names of some hostages anticipated to return that same day, in conjunction with the release of a number of Palestinian detainees.
The ceasefire, which took effect at 11:15 a.m. local time, marks just the first phase in a broader process aimed at resolving the conflict and securing the release of approximately 100 individuals taken captive during the Hamas assault on October 7, 2023. An Israeli official confirmed that three individuals—Romi Gonen, 24, Emily Damari, 28, and Doron Steinbrecher, 31—would be freed later in the day. Gonen was captured at a music festival, while Damari holds dual Israeli-British citizenship and was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Initially, Hamas was to provide the names of the hostages prior to the ceasefire’s start. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment in Hamas for failing to meet that obligation, emphasizing that military action would persist until compliance was achieved. Eventually, Hamas submitted the names approximately two hours later, citing technical issues but reaffirming its commitment to the ceasefire.
During the tense interval between the scheduled start time and the actual commencement of the ceasefire, Israeli military action resulted in the deaths of at least 26 individuals, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry, which did not specify whether the victims were combatants or civilians. Authorities cautioned residents to avoid areas where Israeli forces were retreating to establish a buffer.
In response to the ceasefire agreement, Israel’s national security minister announced that his faction, Jewish Power, would withdraw from the government in protest. Itamar Ben-Gvir’s exit adds strain to Netanyahu’s coalition but is not expected to impact the ceasefire’s stipulations.
Additionally, Israel confirmed it had successfully retrieved the remains of Oron Shaul, a soldier who died in the 2014 conflict with Hamas. His body, along with that of fellow soldier Hadar Goldin, had remained in Gaza since then, despite ongoing efforts from their families for repatriation.
The ceasefire arrangement follows a year of extensive negotiations facilitated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt. The initial 42-day period aims for the return of 33 hostages from Gaza, alongside the release of numerous Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Under this agreement, Israeli forces are expected to retreat to a designated buffer area, allowing many internally displaced Palestinians to return home.
In a significant shift, there will also be a marked increase in humanitarian supplies entering Gaza, with hundreds of trucks anticipated to deliver aid daily, which surpasses previous allowances by Israel. The United Nations’ World Food Program reported that trucks had begun to cross into Gaza following the ceasefire.
This ceasefire is the second of its kind in the ongoing conflict, promising a longer and potentially more impactful respite than a temporary halt that occurred in November 2023. Following this first phase, discussions regarding the more complex second phase of the ceasefire are expected to commence in roughly two weeks. Critical issues remain, including the possible resumption of hostilities and the prospects for the safe release of the remaining hostages in Gaza.
In Gaza, following the announcement, a wave of celebrations broke out, with people hopeful for relief after enduring 15 months of conflict that resulted in substantial casualties and displacement. Masked militants participated in some of these festivities, as crowds expressed solidarity with their cause.
Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled police resumed public presence after having been mostly inactive due to ongoing airstrikes. Witnesses observed them operating in various locations throughout Gaza City, while in Khan Younis, small groups were reported on the streets.
Residents of Gaza City began their journey back home despite ongoing shelling near the Israeli border. Families were seen carrying their belongings, often aided by donkey carts, as they navigated their return. One local, Ahmed Matter, described the persistent sounds of shelling, stating that many families were eager to reclaim their homes. “People are impatient. They want this madness to end,” he remarked.
Opinions among Israelis regarding the ceasefire were mixed. As they awaited news of their loved ones, some expressed hope for their safe return while others voiced skepticism about the efficacy of the agreement. Nissan Kalderon, with a family member among the hostages, expressed optimism, urging for all hostages to come home. Conversely, Asher Pizem criticized the move, asserting it only delayed further conflicts with Hamas. He lamented that permitting aid into Gaza might bolster the militant organization.
The Israeli Cabinet approved the ceasefire during an unusual session on Saturday, illustrating the pressure on both parties to reach an agreement prior to forthcoming changes in the U.S. administration.
The ongoing conflict has inflicted a massive toll on both sides. Reports indicate that over 46,000 Palestinians have perished as a result of the conflict, predominantly consisting of women and children, with no clear delineation between civilians and combatants in available statistics. The initial attack by Hamas led to over 1,200 fatalities in southern Israel and approximately 250 abductions. During a prior ceasefire in November, more than 100 hostages were released. Currently, about 90% of Gaza’s populace has been uprooted, with extensive destruction of housing, healthcare, and infrastructure. Rebuilding efforts, if the ceasefire matures into a lasting peace, will require several years to be realized, and significant uncertainties regarding Gaza’s political future remain.
