Identifying a pivotal event among the significant global occurrences of 2025 is complex. However, many may deem the ceasefire agreement between Israel and the Hamas organisation the most notable. This ceasefire was formalised through the mediation of several parties, including Qatar and the USA, leading to its announcement.
Nevertheless, uncertainty remains regarding its implementation, primarily due to the resistance from hardliners within Israel and the strict conditions imposed by Hamas. Despite this, as of the 18th, this proposal was officially approved by Israel’s Cabinet and is set to take effect from the 19th. This ceasefire can indeed be regarded as one of the most important events of 2025, especially as the situation in the Gaza Strip has become dire for its inhabitants.
Decisive Discussions within the Israeli Cabinet
The Israeli Cabinet has approved the ceasefire agreement regarding the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages. After several hours of extensive discussions on the 18th, the Cabinet consented to the proposal. Israeli officials stated that approval was obtained after highly complex negotiations. However, some hardliners have expressed opposition to the proposal. Nonetheless, due to the majority agreement, the planned peace process could proceed, and discussions were held to address the intricacies of the agreement separately.
A Devastating Conflict Spanning 3 Months
The ceasefire marks a pause in a brutal conflict that has lasted for three months. A critical decision is the mutual release of hostages held by both parties. Both Qatar and the USA, as mediators, have issued statements indicating that they view this as a significant opportunity to resolve issues based on peace. As Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani stated, this agreement will take effect from Sunday. US President Joe Biden also confirmed Israel’s agreement to cease hostilities in the Gaza Strip. The statements emphasised the need for expedited humanitarian assistance for Palestinian civilians.
Casualties of War Amounting to 46,700
On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a massive attack against Israel, initiating a vast conflict. This attack resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals. In retaliation, Israel launched an operation to dismantle Hamas. Since then, Gaza residents have faced severe hardships, with current estimates indicating over 46,700 deaths. With a population exceeding 2.3 million, Gaza has experienced catastrophic devastation that cannot be quantified financially. Food, fuel, medical supplies, and shelter conditions have become critical.
The Crucial First Six Weeks
The initial six weeks following the ceasefire agreement are deemed crucial. Mediators from Qatar and the US have indicated that the tolerance displayed by both parties during this period will determine the future of the process. During this timeframe, it is expected that 33 hostages held by Hamas will be exchanged for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. The Israeli military is also likely to withdraw from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip during this period to allow displaced Palestinians to return home.
Discussions for the second phase will commence once this process concludes successfully. The release of remaining hostages and a complete withdrawal of Israeli troops will be included in the second phase. Qatar’s Prime Minister has noted efforts to ensure that both parties recognise the importance of acting patiently for sustainable peace.
The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip is part of the third phase, but this will be a long-term plan. The peace process initiated or proposed cannot be termed a comprehensive peace between the two sides. Asserting that this situation signals the war’s end is unjustifiable; hence, it must be recognised as a proposal for peace or, at the very least, some form of action. Ultimately, the global populace hopes that both Hamas and Israel will ensure that this moment is utilised effectively to achieve lasting peace.
American Mediation
US President Joe Biden and Donald Trump, who is preparing for another presidential bid, have contributed to reinforcing the peace process. Trump has emphasised the need for Hamas and Israel to release hostages and engage in a journey towards peace promptly. In this regard, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken steps to thank Trump. He can be considered a leader pledging immediate cessation of hostilities. According to his promise, Trump aims to end not only the Gaza conflict but also the Russia-Ukraine war. He aspires to mitigate other global conflicts to pave the way for world peace.
