After 15 months of relentless conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced early Friday that an agreement has been reached to pause the war in Gaza.
The deal includes the release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
“I have instructed a special task force to prepare for the hostages’ return from Gaza,” Netanyahu said, adding that their families have been informed about the breakthrough, according to the Associated Press.
This agreement also aims to allow hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians to return to their homes, many of which have been left in ruins due to the ongoing violence. However, the deal has sparked intense debate within Netanyahu’s coalition government. Hardline members, such as National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have expressed strong opposition, threatening to resign if the ceasefire proceeds. Ben-Gvir described the agreement as “reckless” and warned it would “destroy all of Israel’s achievements.”
Despite these internal divisions, the ceasefire has been widely welcomed by international mediators, including Egypt and Qatar, who played significant roles in brokering the deal. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty urged both sides to “implement the ceasefire without delay,” emphasizing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The conflict, which escalated after Hamas’ October 2023 cross-border attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis and took 250 hostages, has devastated Gaza. Local health officials report that more than 46,000 Palestinians have died, with women and children accounting for over half of the fatalities. The military campaign has displaced 90% of Gaza’s population of 2.3 million, leaving many in squalid tent camps.
“Enough with the destruction and killing,” pleaded Omar Jendiya, a resident of Deir al-Balah, highlighting the despair among Gaza’s population.
As part of the agreement, the initial release of 33 hostages is expected within the next six weeks. In exchange, Israel will release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid will also be increased, and Israeli forces are set to withdraw from some areas in Gaza. However, significant challenges remain. Hamas has signaled that the release of additional hostages will depend on a lasting ceasefire and full Israeli withdrawal, while Israel insists it will continue efforts to dismantle the militant group.
The deal has also raised questions about the future of Gaza post-conflict. Reconstruction efforts will be monumental, and debates continue over who will govern the territory moving forward. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has expressed concern over the high civilian death toll in Gaza but has supported efforts to achieve a ceasefire.
With the conflict entering a new phase, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this agreement can lead to lasting peace or merely a temporary pause in hostilities. As Netanyahu convenes his security Cabinet to finalize the deal, the world watches closely, hoping for a resolution to one of the most devastating conflicts in recent history.
