A ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, paving the way for an end to the devastating 15-month war in Gaza. The deal was brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.
Khalil al-Hayya, a top Hamas official, said that the Palestinians will not forget the atrocities committed against them during the conflict. Al-Hayya described the war as a “barbaric genocide” that has left an indelible mark on the Palestinian people.
However, some are expressing disappointment with the international community’s response to the crisis. Daniel Lifshitz, whose grandfather Oded has been held captive in Gaza since October 2023, welcomed news of the deal but noted that the condition of captives remains unclear.
The Egyptian president, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, hailed the agreement as a major breakthrough, stressing the need for accelerating humanitarian aid to Gaza. The UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, also welcomed the ceasefire, emphasizing the importance of easing the suffering caused by the conflict.
Despite the deal, concerns remain about its long-term impact. Martin Griffiths, the former UN aid chief, warned that the conditions for reconciling the positions of both parties are not yet met, leaving room for one or both sides to withdraw from the agreement.
The US president, Joe Biden, confirmed that his team worked “as one” with President Trump’s administration to secure the deal. Hamas attributed its willingness to negotiate to the Palestinian people’s steadfastness and resistance.
Humanitarian organizations have highlighted the urgent need for aid in Gaza, where the international community has been criticized for its delayed response. The International Rescue Committee warned that the scars of this war will be long-lasting and require immediate relief to civilians.
Source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/liveblog/2025/1/15/live-israel-launches-fierce-strikes-on-gaza-as-ceasefire-deal-moves-closer