Historic Cease-Fire Reached After 15-Month War

On January 15, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani announced a cease-fire agreement between Hamas and Israel. Mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, the deal aims to end 15 months of war in Gaza. The conflict has caused tens of thousands of deaths and displaced millions. The cease-fire, expected to begin Sunday, includes steps for humanitarian relief, prisoner exchanges, Israeli troop redeployment, and future negotiations.

Cease-Fire’s Three Phases Detailed

The agreement, aligned with a U.S. road map introduced in May 2024, includes three phases:

1. First Phase (42 Days): A cease-fire, phased Israeli withdrawal, and expanded humanitarian aid. Hostage exchanges will include the release of 33 Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Gaza residents will begin returning home.
2. Second Phase (42 Days): Remaining hostages will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners, and Israel is expected to withdraw entirely from Gaza.
3. Third Phase (42 Days): A long-term reconstruction plan will begin, overseen by international partners like the UN, Qatar, and Egypt.

Uncertainty Looms Over Implementation

While the first phase is meticulously detailed, phases two and three lack clarity on governance and security in Gaza after Israel’s withdrawal. Hamas has vowed to withhold hostages until the withdrawal is complete, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insists on eliminating Hamas’ governing power. Questions about border control, humanitarian aid logistics, and long-term peace remain unresolved.

Concerns From Supporters and Critics

Supporters hail the agreement as a historic step toward peace and humanitarian recovery in Gaza. They view it as an opportunity to end the war and address long-standing regional issues. Critics worry about unresolved governance challenges, the risk of renewed conflict, and the potential instability of Israel’s government due to political opposition to the cease-fire.

Regional Dynamics Add Complexity

External factors, including tensions in Lebanon, Iran’s potential nuclear acceleration, and instability in the West Bank, threaten the cease-fire’s success. Observers emphasize the need for international cooperation to ensure long-term peace.

Source:

Israel, Hamas Reach Gaza Cease-fire Deal: What Happens Now?

Photo by John Matychuk on Unsplash

About Post Author

Faith on View

Faith on View’s staff includes academics, journalists, and professional authors who at times collaborate with technology to produce content designed to best serve our readers.

See author's posts