Long-Awaited Gaza Ceasefire Commences After Brief Delay
A long-awaited ceasefire in Gaza has finally begun after a three-hour delay, as celebrations erupted across the war-torn territory. This truce, a first step toward ending the conflict and returning nearly 100 hostages abducted in a 2023 Hamas attack, marked a bumpy start on Sunday.
Details of the Ceasefire
The ceasefire officially started at 11.15 am, with Israel vowing to continue fighting until it received the names of the three female hostages Hamas planned to free first. The hostages, Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher, were set to be released later on Sunday. Gonen was abducted from a music festival, while the other two were kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Aza, with Damari being an Israeli-British dual citizen.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed disappointment in Hamas for not providing the names promptly, leading to an Israeli airstrike that killed at least eight people in Khan Younis. Despite the delay, displaced Palestinians began returning to their homes, signaling hope and relief after months of conflict.
Celebrations and Reactions
From Gaza City to Khan Younis, residents celebrated the ceasefire, eagerly anticipating the return of hostages and a semblance of peace. Masked militants appeared at some celebrations, with chants of support echoing through the streets. Families in Gaza City were seen returning home despite ongoing shelling, illustrating their resilience and desire for normalcy.
Conversely, reactions in Israel were more reserved, with some expressing skepticism about the ceasefire’s long-term effects. However, the ceasefire approval by Israel’s cabinet underscores a collective hope for the safe return of hostages and a reduction in violence.
Looking Ahead
As the ceasefire marks a crucial first step in a delicate process, questions about the war’s toll, humanitarian aid, and future negotiations loom large. With immense challenges ahead, including rebuilding infrastructure and addressing political uncertainties, the ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope for a war-weary region.