Is the war truly over? Is this the dawn of peace? These are the questions arising from the people of the Gaza Strip after a prolonged conflict lasting nearly a year. The agreement between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip is a significant event and a global phenomenon.
There seems to be an agreement between the two parties regarding releasing hostages as part of this arrangement. Qatar and the United States have mediated these discussions, with Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani playing a crucial role.
He emphasised that the agreement would come into force once the Israeli Cabinet approved it. U.S. President Joe Biden has been a significant contributor to this peace process. Analysts highlight the importance of his intervention, which occurred just days before the end of his term. Biden indicates that a foundation for ceasing hostilities in Gaza has already been established, and he also underscores the intention to begin humanitarian aid initiatives for Palestinian civilians.
Ongoing Peace Process
Maintaining the agreement requires commitments from both sides to further the peace plan. Israel is expected to bear greater responsibility, especially in light of global perceptions of civilian casualties amid its military actions. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, confirms that the reports related to the peace agreement are still being drafted. However, he emphasises the importance of quickly finalising these actions to enter a productive phase of the process. Meanwhile, Hamas leader Khalil Al-Hayya asserts that this peace initiative is seen as a result of Palestinian “resistance”.
Continued Attacks Despite Agreements
Despite the purported agreements, reports suggest that the people of Gaza harbour scepticism. The expectation remains that there will be a reduction or cessation of attacks targeting the region. Palestinians and families of hostages view this peace process with significant hope, but the absence of decreased assaults continues to fuel uncertainty. Even after announcements regarding the peace process, substantial attacks on Gaza have been reported, leading to about 30 casualties.
Beginning of a Brutal War
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a major assault on Israel, marking the start of a significant conflict. Following this attack, around 1,200 people were reported dead, with additional casualties among hostages. In retaliation, Israel initiated operations aimed at dismantling Hamas.
The escalation has heavily impacted the residents of Gaza, resulting in over 46,700 deaths so far. With a population exceeding 2.3 million, the situation in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with widespread devastation that cannot be merely quantified in financial terms. Basic necessities such as food, fuel, medicine, and shelter have become critically scarce, creating a dire humanitarian crisis.
As of now, among the hostages taken by Hamas, 94 individuals have yet to be transferred back to Israel. Reports from Israel indicate that at least 34 of their nationals captured on October 7 have died since then. Israel is also emphasising its plans to take action to secure the release of its nationals taken captive before the onset of this conflict.
Proposed Ceasefire Agreement with Complicated Conditions
Qatar’s Prime Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, has indicated that under the proposed initial phase of the ceasefire agreement, there will be a focus on the return of hostages over the next few weeks. Both parties have expressed the need for a “calm” environment. Consequently, Israel has agreed to release Palestinian nationals held in their prisons, while Hamas is expected to free approximately 30 Israeli nationals. Additionally, Israel’s military has agreed to withdraw from densely populated areas in Gaza and to allow Palestinian residents to return to their homes. Discussions have also surfaced regarding the restoration of transport processes in the region, with Israeli approval reported for these proposals.
A Process Requiring Patience
This peace initiative is anticipated to unfold with long-term expectations. After the hostages’ release negotiations, discussions for the second stage are set to commence. Hamas has stipulated that the Israeli military must fully withdraw from Gaza for this to proceed. Thus, the timeline for ongoing negotiations could span many years. Redevelopment efforts in Gaza, as well as the potential exchange of hostage remains, will be essential parts of this future dialogue. The complexity and depth of this proposed peace process indicate that significant patience will be required to succeed. The underlying message is that there cannot be true relief without patience. Any misstep from either party could rekindle violent conflict.
The Importance of Commitment from Both Sides
The current peace process cannot be labelled as complete for either side. Labelling this phase as the war’s final chapter would be inaccurate; instead, it must be seen as a proposal for peace. If ignored, it may simply remain an incomplete action. The global community hopes that both Hamas and Israel will commit to leveraging this opportunity to forge a lasting peace, thereby alleviating the suffering of their people.
Recent contributions to this peace process have come from President Biden and the former President, Donald Trump, who is preparing to run for office again. Trump has urged both Hamas and Israel to prioritise the release of hostages and move towards peace. Netanyahu has acknowledged this initiative and expressed gratitude towards Trump, highlighting his commitment to halting warfare as a priority. He plans to resolve not just the conflict in Gaza but also other global tensions.
Perspectives from Israel and Hamas
Both Hamas and Israel have acknowledged their positions regarding the peace process. In Israel, there’s a growing consensus among the majority, regardless of opposition from extremist factions, to pursue the proposed agreement. Meanwhile, Hamas has described this moment as a crucial opportunity to rebuild Gaza and mitigate the pain of its people, indicating intent to face challenges even if the task is monumental. The leaders of both Hamas and Israel must navigate these complex and sensitive dynamics carefully, as their next steps will have profound implications for the region’s future stability.
