After more than a year of intense fighting, Hamas and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire that is expected to start on Sunday. This agreement, supported by Qatar and other countries, brings some hope for peace after months of war that caused major loss and suffering.
The fighting caused serious damage to Gaza, killing many people and destroying homes and buildings. For over 15 months, airstrikes and battles were a daily part of life. People in Gaza struggled to find enough food, clean water, and medicine, while in Israel, families dealt with the pain of losing loved ones and having some taken away. This ceasefire offers a small chance to begin healing, but the situation remains very fragile.
The terms of the ceasefire
The ceasefire agreement includes important steps to help reduce fighting and bring relief. First, both sides will stop attacking each other for six weeks. After this, Israeli troops will slowly leave Gaza.
As part of the deal, Hamas will release Israeli hostages, including women, children, and older men. At the same time, Israel will free Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid will also be increased to provide much-needed supplies like food, water, and medicine to the people of Gaza, who have suffered greatly during the conflict.
In Gaza, Palestinians celebrated in the streets even though they have faced many difficulties. They waved flags, shouted in unity, and felt a bit of hope during a tough time. On the other hand, Israelis, especially the families of hostages, felt relieved but also worried about what comes next. Leaders from around the world, like U.S. President Joe Biden and U.N. officials, praised the ceasefire as a step towards peace and a way to help with the growing humanitarian crisis. However, as the news was announced, some fighting continued, showing that the truce is fragile and there are still many challenges to overcome.
The recent war: What sparked it?
The latest conflict started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an unexpected attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 Israelis and taking over 250 hostages. In response, Israel carried out heavy airstrikes and sent troops on the ground, which made the violence worse. This conflict is one of the deadliest in the ongoing fighting between Hamas and Israel.
Hamas is a group seen as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the U.S., and other countries. It controls Gaza and has the goal of ending Israel’s existence. Hamas wants to create an Islamic state and take control of areas like the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
History of conflict
The Israel-Palestine conflict has a long history. In 1948, Israel declared independence in a region that was important to Jews but also had a large Palestinian Arab population. This caused disputes over land and control, leading to wars and many people being displaced. The United Nations suggested dividing the area into separate Jewish and Arab states, but Arab nations rejected this plan, which increased tensions.
The Gaza Strip, a small but heavily populated area along the Mediterranean, has been a centre of violence. Israel gained control of Gaza after a war in 1967 but pulled its troops and settlers out in 2005. However, Israel still controls the borders and trade. In 2007, Hamas took control of Gaza, which made the situation worse. Since then, fighting has repeatedly destroyed Gaza’s infrastructure and economy, leaving millions of people in poverty.
Hostages and humanitarian concerns
A significant element of the ceasefire is the release of hostages. Among them are Israeli women, children, and elderly men, along with two American citizens. In exchange, Israel will release Palestinian prisoners. While this development brings some relief, families remain anxious, hoping for the safe return of their loved ones.
The ceasefire also aims to address dire humanitarian needs. Gaza’s residents face critical shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. The deal includes provisions for increased aid to alleviate suffering and begin the long road to recovery.
The impact beyond Gaza
The impact of the conflict goes beyond Gaza. Violence has spread to the West Bank and Israel’s borders with Lebanon and Syria, causing concerns that the situation could turn into a wider regional war, especially with Iran, a main supporter of Hamas, getting involved. To stop the fighting from spreading further, countries like Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. have worked together to try and arrange a ceasefire. They all want to help stabilise the area and stop more people from being hurt.
Challenges and uncertainties
The ceasefire brings some hope, but there are still big challenges. Both sides need to stick to the agreement for peace to last. Humanitarian aid must reach people who are suffering, and rebuilding Gaza will need help from many countries.
There are also political problems. It's unclear who will control Gaza in the future. Israel doesn’t want Hamas to stay in charge, but it’s also unsure about bringing back the Palestinian Authority. Additionally, the long-standing distrust between Israelis and Palestinians makes it hard to find a lasting solution.