The truce will begin on Sunday, January 19, 2025, and is meant to bring hostilities to a close while opening a way for much-needed humanitarian aid into the beleaguered region.
Details of ceasefire agreement
A three-stage plan came off in a ceasefire between both parties wherein:
- First ceasefire and exchange of hostages: a 42-day truce in which Hamas should release 33 of 96 hostages taken from the attacks of October 7, 2023, while Israel frees as many as 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.
- Israeli withdrawal of the military: A gradual withdrawal of the Israeli forces from residential areas of Gaza to be able to allow the uprooted Palestinians to return to their homes.
- Humanitarian aid and reconstruction: At this stage, humanitarian aid opening into Gaza is to be widened with the passing of more than 500 trucks laden with aid per day. Discussion on the reconstruction of Gaza under international supervision will be undertaken at this stage.
Roles of Biden and Trump administrations
The respective outgoing Biden administration and incoming Trump administration have all claimed responsibility for brokering the ceasefire:
- President Joe Biden: The deal came under the framework his administration set out in late May 2024, he said. Biden said, “This agreement is a testament to the tireless efforts of our diplomatic team and our commitment to peace in the region.”
- President-elect Donald Trump weighed in, saying his administration’s role was indispensable; his envoy, Steve Witkoff, he said, played an important role in the negotiations. “This is a deal that is happening because of the strong stance we took and because of the relationship that we’ve built,” he said.
International reaction
The international community has reacted positively toward the ceasefire deal:
- Qatar: Played a big role in mediating the deal, as Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani termed the ceasefire a “start” toward permanent peace.
- Egypt: Gave a discussion platform and is likely to contribute to the opening of the Rafah crossing to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
- United Kingdom: Prime Minister Keir Starmer added, “The hostages can finally go back to their families. Those who won’t make it home, we will be still grieving and remembering. “
Challenges ahead
Notwithstanding the ceasefire, some challenges remain:
- Implementation: For this deal to actually see light and to enforce a settlement upon these parties will necessitate sustained international involvement in monitoring and supervising observance.
- Humanitarian concerns: The World Health Organization has described health needs within the Gaza Strip as “enormous,” adding peace is the “best medicine.”
- Political dynamics: Domestic political pressures both within Israel and the Palestinian territories may bear upon the sustainability of the ceasefire.
