Palestinians in Gaza are celebrating after mediators confirmed that a ceasefire has been agreed upon between Hamas and Israel, ending 15 months of fierce fighting. The truce is to take effect on Sunday, January 19, pending official approval.
However, the situation remains tense, as the Israeli military has intensified its attacks on the Gaza Strip in the wake of the announcement, resulting in the deaths of at least 40 Palestinians, according to media reports. These casualties occur as the Israeli cabinet prepares to vote on the ceasefire agreement.
According to Hamas official Izzat al-Risheq, the deal brokered in Doha, Qatar, fulfills all of the group’s demands. These include complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, the safe return of displaced individuals to their homes, and a permanent cessation of hostilities.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu thanked U.S. President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump for their part in making the agreement possible, citing that relief to the hostages and their families is long overdue.
The war has already taken a very devastating toll; according to reports, more than 46,707 Palestinians have been killed, and 110,265 have been injured since the war began on October 7, 2023. On that day, at least 1,139 people were killed in Israel, while over 200 were taken captive by Hamas-led attacks.
