Israel and Hamas Agree to Ceasefire, Ending Months of Conflict
Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire agreement, bringing a halt to the war in Gaza that has resulted in the deaths of tens of thousands of people over the past 15 months. The deal is expected to lead to a pause in fighting and an increase in humanitarian aid to the territory.
Unknown Fate of Hostages Remains a Concern
The fate of the dozens of hostages taken by Hamas during their surprise raids on Israel on October 7, 2023, remains unclear. While a formal announcement of the ceasefire is expected soon, details of the agreement are still unclear. An official statement is anticipated, with people familiar with the matter noting that the president-elect Donald Trump’s envoy was involved in the negotiations.
International Diplomatic Efforts Yield Results
The agreement was reached after extensive diplomatic efforts led by the US, with officials from both the outgoing Biden and incoming Trump administrations involved. Qatar and Egypt also mediated the negotiations, bringing together Israel and Hamas. This marks a significant development in the conflict, which has seen Iran-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Houthis in Yemen, attack Israel in solidarity with Hamas.
Trouble Across the Middle East
The conflict has had far-reaching consequences, causing turmoil in the wider Middle East. The war has led to increased tensions, with Israel stepping up its offensive against Hezbollah in September, killing the top leadership and severely degrading the group. A truce was reached in late November, but the situation remains volatile.
Ceasefire to Lead to Increased Humanitarian Aid
The ceasefire is expected to lead to a significant increase in humanitarian aid to Gaza. With much of the territory’s urban centres destroyed, an influx of aid will be necessary to address the dire humanitarian situation. The US and other G-7 nations have repeatedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to protect civilians in Gaza, with his actions under scrutiny in The Hague.
Background to the Conflict
The conflict began with Hamas’s surprise raids on Israel in October 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people and the capture of approximately 250 hostages. The subsequent Israeli military campaign has resulted in the deaths of more than 46,000 Palestinians, according to the health ministry in Gaza. Israel has reported the killing of around 20,000 Palestinian gunmen in Gaza, while hundreds of its soldiers have lost their lives in the conflict.
