Israel And Hamas Reach Ceasefire Agreement
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Israel and Hamas signed a ceasefire agreement on January 15, 2025. It marks the first step in ending the 15-month conflict, which has killed thousands and caused widespread devastation in Gaza. The United Nations estimates that 1.9 million of Gaza’s 2.4 million residents have been displaced by the war.
Background
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip. They killed about 1,200 civilians and took 251 hostages. In response, Israel declared war on Hamas and launched military operations in Gaza.
Hamas fighters breached the strong fence between Gaza and Israel (Credit: Israel Ministry of Defence Spokesperson's Office/ CC-BY-SA-2.0)
On October 17, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced they had killed Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader behind the October 7 attack. Shortly after, international mediators began ceasefire talks to end the conflict.
What is a ceasefire?
A ceasefire is an agreement between countries at war to temporarily stop fighting. This gives leaders from both sides time to negotiate a permanent peace deal without worrying about an ongoing conflict.
What are the terms of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire?
The Israel-Hamas ceasefire will be carried out in three stages. Stage one will last for 42 days, during which fighting will completely halt. During this time, Hamas is expected to release 33 of the 55 living hostages at regular intervals. Israel, in turn, will release 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
The IDF will also withdraw from populated areas in Gaza, allowing residents to return. Additionally, hundreds of aid trucks carrying essentials like food and medical supplies will be allowed into Gaza daily.
Stage two begins sixteen days after the start of stage one. This stage aims to establish a path toward permanently ending the war. It will also allow the exchange of remaining living Israeli hostages for more Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the IDF will fully withdraw from Gaza.
The third and final stage of the ceasefire will officially end the war. Hamas will return the bodies of 35 deceased hostages. Both sides will then begin post-war reconstruction efforts.
What has happened since January 15?
Since January 15, Hamas has freed seven female hostages. They include three civilians and four soldiers. Israel has lived up to its promise by releasing 290 Palestinian prisoners.
As of January 22, 2025, more than 2,400 aid trucks have entered Gaza. Over half of these went to northern Gaza, where aid has been hardest to deliver.
Will this ceasefire end the war?
Israel and Hamas still need to reach a final agreement that will end the war. However, the release of hostages and prisoners, the return of displaced residents, and the increased aid deliveries are positive steps forward. If both sides stay committed, the ceasefire could lead to a peaceful resolution. This will bring much-needed relief to millions affected by the conflict.
Resources: BBC.com, theguardian.com, CNN.com ,USIP.org
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48 Comments
sm3llsslime5 monthsIt's sad
banywurasino5 monthsso sad
alicecweaver5 monthsI am happy that the war is stoping because in is really sad when people start wars
doggiechristmas5 monthsExtremely sad.
elih85 monthsYes really sad
jba-fofiabout 1 monththe war is not ending yet, it's just a ceasefire.
iamthegrinch5 monthssad sad sad- mupemizymowy5 monthsbro so sad!
852128sophie5 monthsI'm so glad to hear this good news! I really hate wars, when enemies cannot negotiate and people are dying and being captured! 😣
boba-books5 monthsMe too, it terrifies me just thinking about life there
beachgurly20125 monthsI hate war as well
345765 monthsNice the war has finally ended!
avidhistorian25 monthsNot Quite... Hopefully It Will Though!
beccarod1235 monthsThis war has been really sad. I have heard some things about it and it just makes you think and to be glad that we are not experiencing this right now. I pray to God that the family's that were affected by this war can heal over time. Everyone please pray for these people and ask God to help them.
freerangekid5 monthsSo true!
shammah5 monthsYes,you are so right.I hope and pray that they will recover after such a horrible event. I also hope that the war will be anded permanently and Israel and Hamas will never have this problem again. Please also hope and pray for the people in Ukraine. I hope that God will stop the war between Ukraine and Russia.I also hope no more fights happen with these war torn countries.
jawsclaws5 monthspeace
bookgirlschool5 months💔 This war made me feel so sad for all the innocent people who died and did nothing wrong. All the kids and the families who just wanted the fighting to be over. I do not like war and if any of you have seen it, I am sorry you have done nothing wrong.😔😔