Truce to peace, the challenge in Gaza

Sustained international engagement and goodwill from all parties will be essential to build on the Hamas-Israel ceasefire deal

- Ausaf Sayeed

After 15 months of devastating conflict, Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire deal that aims to stop violence in Gaza and facilitate the release of hostages. The agreement, brokered by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States (US), marks a significant turning point in the long-standing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and raises hopes for lasting peace in West Asia. The Israeli cabinet approved the deal on January 18, with 24 out of 33 ministers voting in favour. The implementation of the agreement started on Sunday, January 19, a day ahead of Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th US President.

The deal is structured in three phases, each lasting approximately six weeks. The first phase involves the release of 33 Israeli hostages by Hamas, including women, children, and the elderly, in exchange for about 1,650 Palestinian prisoners. Israeli forces will withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, pulling back to a kilometre-long buffer zone along the border. The Rafah crossing with Egypt will open seven days after the start of the first phase, allowing for a significant increase in humanitarian aid, with up to 600 trucks entering daily. Subsequent phases aim to address the release of remaining hostages, further Israeli troop withdrawals from Gaza, and the initiation of reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

The ceasefire aims to halt the ongoing violence that has resulted in nearly 47,000 Palestinian casualties and near-total destruction of Gaza. The truce with Hamas is expected to extend Israel's existing ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, thereby reducing immediate tensions in its neighbourhood and avoiding the risk of a broader regional conflict. This de-escalation could create a more stable environment for diplomatic initiatives and regional economic cooperation.