Israel And Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement
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Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement on January 15, 2025. It marks the first step in ending the 15-month conflict, which has killed thousands and caused widespread devastation in Gaza. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced by the war.
Background
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. They killed about 1,200 civilians and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched military operations in Gaza.
Hamas fighters breached the strong fence between Gaza and Israel (Credit: Israel Ministry of Defence Spokesperson's Office/ CC-BY-SA-2.0)
On October 17, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they had killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the October 7 attack. Shortly after, international mediators began ceasefire talks to end the conflict.
What is a ceasefire?
A ceasefire is an agreement between countries at war to temporarily stop fighting. This gives leaders from both sides time to negotiate a permanent peace deal without worrying about an ongoing conflict.
What are the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire?
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire will be carried out in three stages. Stage one will last for 42 days, during which fighting will completely halt. During this time, Hamas is expected to release 33 of the 55 living hostages at regular intervals. Israel, in turn, will release 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
The IDF will also withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, allowing residents to return. Additionally, hundreds of aid trucks carrying essentials like food and medical supplies will be allowed into Gaza daily.
Stage two begins sixteen days after the start of stage one. This stage aims to establish a path toward permanently ending the war. It will also allow the exchange of remaining living Israeli hostages for more Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the IDF will fully withdraw from Gaza.
The third and final stage of the ceasefire will officially end the war. Hamas will return the bodies of 35 deceased hostages. Both sides will then begin post-war reconstruction efforts.
What has happened since January 15?
Since January 15, Hamas has freed seven female hostages. They include three civilians and four soldiers. Israel has lived up to its promise by releasing 290 Palestinian prisoners.
As of January 22, 2025, more than 2,400 aid trucks have entered Gaza. Over half of these went to northern Gaza, where aid has been hardest to deliver.
Will this ceasefire end the war?
Israel and Hamas still need to reach a final agreement that will end the war. However, the release of hostages and prisoners, the return of displaced residents, and the increased aid deliveries are positive steps forward. If both sides stay committed, the ceasefire could lead to a peaceful resolution. This will bring much-needed relief to millions affected by the conflict.
Resources: BBC.com, theguardian.com, CNN.com ,USIP.org
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14 Comments
keyaano1 dayI’m glad the war is over ✌️. Peace is always the way to go ✌️
beachgurly20121 dayThis is sad. I'm glad the war is over, but I feel so sad for the people that died. I hate war because killing only leads to more killing and devastation to spread to others. I don't like it when people think killing is the best solution to everything. It makes me scared for the people that died and the people who where close. I know it must have been terrifying. R.I.P to all the lives that where lost in the war.
milkfanforever1 dayThe war isn't over :( and I agree with the things you said
