A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas will start Sunday, mediating the first major halt in their conflict in over 15 months, approved by Israel’s Cabinet. The first phase includes the release of 33 hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, while humanitarian aid is set to increase. Negotiations for further hostage releases and ceasefire lasting conditions will begin thereafter.
A ceasefire between Hamas and Israel is set to commence on Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time, as announced by mediator Qatar. Families of hostages await news, while humanitarian groups prepare to deliver aid. The ceasefire follows Israel’s Cabinet approval during a rare meeting on Sabbath, igniting heightened emotions among families concerned about the fate of their loved ones held by Hamas.
The ceasefire, which comes after 15 months of conflict, marks a significant step towards ending the ongoing violence. The first phase is initiated to last 42 days, with discussions on the subsequent, more complex phase beginning shortly thereafter. The Israeli security Cabinet will evaluate future steps after the initial six weeks.
Despite the ceasefire announcement, Israeli airstrikes continued, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting 23 deaths in the preceding day. The emotional toll remains evident, as individuals express concern over the violence still occurring. Sirens sounded in Israel amid rocket launches attributed to Yemen-based Houthi rebels demonstrating their support for Palestinians.
In anticipation of the ceasefire, Palestinian locals, such as displaced father Mohamed Mahdi, express eagerness to return home while fearing more violence. According to the ceasefire agreement, 33 hostages held in Gaza will be released in return for 737 Palestinian prisoners, primarily young or female, initiating a process set to start at 4 p.m. on Sunday.
Over the ceasefire’s course, additional individuals, including non-combatant Gaza residents and women and children, will also be released. Individuals convicted of violent acts will be exiled, while Hamas states it will negotiate future hostage releases only if a lasting ceasefire and total Israeli withdrawal occur.
As part of the ceasefire terms, Israeli forces will retreat to a buffer zone, permitting displaced Palestinians to attempt returning home, despite the widespread destruction in many areas. Humanitarian aid is expected to increase significantly, with trucks already lining up at crossings into Gaza, overseen by Egyptian officials.
The conflict’s escalation began with the Hamas-led assault on October 7, leading to high casualty numbers on both sides, including the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis and more than 46,000 Palestinians during Israeli offensives, according to health officials.
The upcoming ceasefire between Israel and Hamas signifies a critical step in addressing ongoing hostilities and facilitating hostages’ release. With the first phase set to last 42 days, humanitarian aid will surge, and significant releases of both hostages and prisoners will occur, establishing a framework for further negotiations. Continuing security and humanitarian concerns, however, underline the complexity of achieving lasting peace in the region.
Original Source: www.pbs.org
