Israel and Hamas agree to ceasefire and hostage release deal
Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal after 15 months of intense conflict, as confirmed by mediators Qatar and the United States. The agreement is set to take effect on Sunday, pending approval from the Israeli cabinet.
The announcement has been met with cautious optimism, as many families of Israeli hostages and Palestinians celebrated the potential for peace. However, the situation on the ground in Gaza remains dire, with ongoing hostilities.
Following the announcement, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed more than 20 people in Gaza, including 12 residents of a building in the Sheikh Radwan neighborhood of Gaza City, according to the Hamas-run Civil Defence agency. The Israeli military has not commented on these reports.
The conflict escalated significantly on October 7, 2023, when a large-scale cross-border attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the abduction of 251 others. In retaliation, Israel launched a campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas, which it, along with the United States and others, classifies as a terrorist organization.
Since the escalation, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 46,700 fatalities, alongside widespread displacement and destruction affecting most of the 2.3 million residents. Critical shortages of food, fuel, medicine, and shelter have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with aid delivery efforts struggling to meet the overwhelming needs.
As part of the ongoing conflict, Israel reports that 94 hostages are still being held by Hamas, with 34 presumed dead. Additionally, four Israelis were abducted before the war, two of whom have also been declared dead.
The deal represents a fragile yet significant step towards de-escalation, with hopes that it could lead to broader efforts to address the humanitarian and security challenges facing the region.
