After long negotiations, the Israel-Hamas ceasefire deal began its first phase on Sunday, January 19th. The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners was at the forefront of the agreement. The truce was hindered by a three-hour delay as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Hamas had failed to release the names of the three hostages it was set to release.
The deadline for the truce was set at 8:30 a.m. local time. Netanyahu has previously instructed the military that the ceasefire be held off “until Israel has in its possession the list of hostages to be freed, which Hamas committed to provide.” The morning of the deal, Daniel Hagari, the Defense Forces Rear Admiral and top military spokesman for Israel, stated the army would “continue to attack” until the names were released. Hamas had previously indicated that the delay was due to “technical field reasons” and emphasized their continued commitment to the ceasefire deal. In the interim, the Israeli military struck several militant targets in northern and central Gaza. According to Nasser Hospital, at least eight people were killed in the southern city of Khan Younis, as well as another three deaths in Gaza City reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry.
The ceasefire represents hope for Palestinians all over Gaza who have been displaced and terrorized by Israel’s ground and air campaign. Palestinian health authorities say more than 46,600 people have been killed, half of them were identified as women, children, or older people. Many international organizations and states have openly declared the campaign a genocide. A case led by South Africa against Israel in the International Court of Justice (ICC), joined by 14 other countries, has been a significant moment in the effort of the international community to hold Israel reliable for the damage its war campaign has caused. Furthermore, the ICC’s arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity demonstrate further international pressure against the Israeli leadership. Netanyahu’s actions on the morning of the deal fell short of showing any real willingness toward lasting peace; they followed the same pattern of disregard and destruction evident since the 7th of October, 2023. The international community must demand accountability for actions that hinder a holistic peace process, ensuring that the agreement is respected by both parties, regardless of delays.
The ceasefire, mediated by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, is the first and a crucial step towards peace for Gazans. The previous ceasefire in November 2023 crumbled after less than a week when both sides claimed violations. This new agreement presents the potential for peace and the possibility of amending previous mistakes made in the process. The first phase of the ceasefire is set to 42 days, as a total of 33 hostages are to be returned from Gaza and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees released. Israeli forces have agreed to pull back into a buffer zone inside Gaza, and many displaced Palestinians should be able to return home. A surge in humanitarian aid is also expected as Israel has agreed to allow more supplies to enter Gaza. Talks about Phase 2 of the ceasefire are set to begin on February 3rd, Day 16. This phase remains doubtful as Israel has stated it is unwilling to withdraw all troops from Gaza, and Hamas maintains that it will not release all hostages until the Israeli withdrawal. The talks also attempt to settle on a governing plan for Gaza, with Hamas expressing some willingness to step aside. It will likely be less precarious if the two sides step onto the third phase. However, questions of who assumes responsibility for reconstruction and reparations will likely arise.
With so much at stake, the international community closely monitors any delays, hesitations, or disturbances in implementing the ceasefire. This ceasefire signifies peace in a time of instability, not only within Gaza but also in the bigger region. Although an important step forward, true and holistic peace will never be achieved while Palestinians struggle for their land and safety. Previous treaties, such as the Oslo Accords of 1993, must be thoroughly examined to evaluate their strengths and failures in the path toward peace. The decade-long struggle between Israel and Palestine is emblematic of many causes. The international community’s increasing awareness of the Palestinian cause could shape a new direction in search of a solution in the region.