After 15 months of war – after the deaths of thousands, after the displacement of thousands – a ceasefire deal has been established in the Israel and Palestine conflict, mediated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt. If honored, this will put an end to the deadliest conflict in history between the two. Since the war began, the Israeli government has killed 46,000 Palestinians, mainly women and children. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), 405 soldiers have been killed since Oct., and 1200 Israelis died on Oct. 7.
On Jan. 19, the Israeli government approved of a ceasefire deal on the condition that Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, released the names of the first three Israeli captives to be released. The first six weeks – called the first phase – of the ceasefire will involve a prisoner exchange from both sides. Thirty-three Israeli captives – taken from the Oct. 7 hostage situation – will be released, and an estimated number of 1000 Palestinian captives will be released who were detained following Oct. 7.
Israel has agreed to withdraw its forces in parts of the Gaza territory. Palestians will also be able to leave the Gaza strip to receive treatment, opening the Rafah crossing into Egypt once again. Humanitarian aid is allowed to return back to the Gaza strip, and it has been reported that families have begun returning to their homes. The second and third phase of the ceasefire has yet to be negotiated and will be taking place during the first phase.
The full ceasefire deal has not yet been revealed, so there is a lot of uncertainty on what the future is going to look like in Israel and Palestine. As outlined in this article by Vox, this may not be a permanent end to a war, but rather a promise to pause the on-going war. The Israeli government will have six weeks to flesh out the details, and if they do not, then it leaves both sides on the edge of a very delicate line. The second phase is meant to put an official end to the war; it remains to be seen if this will be the case.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu will meet with Donald Trump on Feb. 4, likely to discuss the ceasefire. Trump has been under scrutiny and was refuted after suggesting that the Palestinian population should move into nearby countries Lebanon and Egypt. Trump has also promised to keep a strong relationship with Israel and continue sending military aid.
Hours after the announcement of the ceasefire deal, the IDF led a strike in the Gaza strip, killing dozens. Both sides are still incredibly strained with one another, so this deal is already touching a precarious situation. Though there has been support on both sides to the end of the war Israeli president Yitzhak Herzog said in a televised speech that he believes a complete ceasefire is the right choice. From a statement released by Hamas, they said this is a step toward Palestinian liberation. This war has displaced around 90% of the Palestinian population in Gaza. If nothing else, this ceasefire deal will provide some temporary relief to this brutal war that has resulted in tremendous loss and bloodshed.
Let VALLEY know your thoughts via Instagram @VALLEYmag!
Related
Assad Regime Topples in Syria
Death of Hamas Leader Yahya Sinwar
The Sahara Flooded
Hey there! I’ve been reading your weblog for a while now and finally got the courage to go ahead and give you a shout out from Humble Texas! Just wanted to say keep up the good job!
This really answered my problem, thank you!
Just desire to say your article is as amazing. The clearness in your post is simply great and i could assume you’re an expert on this subject. Fine with your permission allow me to grab your RSS feed to keep updated with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please continue the enjoyable work.
Hmm is anyone else encountering problems with the images on this blog loading? I’m trying to determine if its a problem on my end or if it’s the blog. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
I view something truly special in this website .
I know this if off topic but I’m looking into starting my own blog and was curious what all is needed to get setup? I’m assuming having a blog like yours would cost a pretty penny? I’m not very internet savvy so I’m not 100 positive. Any tips or advice would be greatly appreciated. Kudos
Thank you for the good writeup. It in fact was a amusement account it. Look advanced to more added agreeable from you! However, how could we communicate?
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I actually like your means of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will probably be checking again soon. Pls try my web page as effectively and let me know what you think.
After study a few of the blog posts on your website now, and I truly like your way of blogging. I bookmarked it to my bookmark website list and will be checking back soon. Pls check out my web site as well and let me know what you think.
It’s hard to find knowledgeable people on this topic, but you sound like you know what you’re talking about! Thanks