Ceasefire Brings Hope to Gaza Amid Devastation and Loss
Following news of the potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the people of Gaza on Wednesday took to the streets of Deir al-Balah to rejoice about it.
A resident of Deir Al Balah, Abu Iyad Abu Obeid, speaking with AP, said, “All citizens feel relieved and happy with the news of the ceasefire.“
He added, “We hope to return to our homes, villages, and cities as soon as possible.”
The ceasefire agreement, announced by multiple officials on Wednesday, aims to pause the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, which has caused immense destruction and loss of life.
The deal, finalised after weeks of negotiations in Qatar, includes the phased release of hostages held by Hamas, the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel, and the return of hundreds of thousands of displaced Gaza residents to their homes. It will also allow much-needed humanitarian aid to flow into Gaza, which has suffered from 15 months of war.
Three U.S. officials and one Hamas official confirmed that an agreement had been reached, although Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that some final details were still being worked out.
All four officials, including the U.S. and Hamas representatives, requested anonymity as the deal’s specifics were yet to be officially announced by mediators in Doha.
Netanyahu’s office expressed hope in a statement stating that “details will be finalised tonight.” However, any agreement must first receive approval from Netanyahu’s Cabinet.
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Once finalised, the deal is expected to initiate a six-week pause in fighting, during which negotiations to end the war entirely will begin.
Over the six weeks, 33 of the nearly 100 hostages are set to be reunited with their families after months of captivity without any contact with the outside world. However, it remains uncertain if all the hostages are still alive.
According to health authorities there, over 46,000 Palestinians in Gaza have been recorded dead during the Israel-Hamas war.
The Health Ministry does not differentiate between fighters and civilians but reports that women and children were mostly killed in the war.
Content Credit| Igbakuma Rita Doom
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