Ceasefire Begins in Gaza as Israel and Hamas Finalize Peace Agreement
The Israeli military announced the implementation of a ceasefire in Gaza at noon local time on Friday, marking the commencement of the “first phase” of a peace deal established between Israel and Hamas, reports 24brussels.
This agreement entails the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the withdrawal of Israeli troops to a pre-agreed position following more than two years of intense conflict.
In a statement, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that “IDF troops began positioning themselves along the updated deployment lines in preparation for the ceasefire agreement and the return of hostages. IDF troops in the Southern Command are deployed in the area and will continue to remove any immediate threat.”
The ceasefire agreement comes as a significant development after protracted negotiations and violent hostilities that have resulted in substantial casualties on both sides. As the situation transitions, the focus will shift to the humanitarian conditions in Gaza and the fate of the hostages.
International observers are hopeful that this ceasefire may pave the way for further diplomatic efforts aimed at a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The agreement also reflects shifting geopolitical dynamics in the region, as various stakeholders evaluate their roles and interests moving forward.
