Jerusalem (Brussels Morning Newspaper) – Following a brief delay, a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was implemented in the Gaza Strip on January 19, 2025
Locals and a medical staffer in Gaza stated they had attended no new clashes or military strikes since about half an hour before it was finally enforced.
Israel accused Hamas of the wait after the Palestinian militant group neglected to deliver a list naming the first three hostages it would free as part of the deal.
“Hamas was obliged to provide the names of the first female hostages to be released at 4:00 p.m. yesterday (1400 GMT on Sunday),”
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar briefed reporters shortly after the ceasefire began.
“We received the list over 18 hours after it was due.”
Hamas expressed “technical” reasons that had pushed the delay without exaggerating. In a declaration given two hours after the ceasefire deadline, Hamas stated it had dispatched the list of names, and Israeli officials verified receipt. Hamas anointed the hostages it was to release as Doron Steinbrecher, Romi Gonen and Emily Damari.
What are the key terms of the ceasefire agreement?
The agreement that created a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has now been in place since January 19, 2025. This agreement comprises different key conditions and phases that aim to stop the warm activities and help in the release of the hostages.
The ceasefire is divided into three separate stages:
- Phase 1: Initiates a six-week ceasefire with Hamas, releasing 33 Israeli hostages in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, alongside increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. In return, Israel will release 737 Palestinian prisoners detained in its jails. This includes a mix of detainees held for a variety of crimes associated with the conflict.
- Phase 2: Talks for this stage will begin 16 days into the first humanitarian cease-fire, aimed at leading to a more lasting end to the conflict. Hamas will release further male hostages during this stage in exchange for more Palestinian prisoners Israel is holding.
- Phase 3: It involves long-term reconstruction in Gaza with respect to the immense destruction caused during the conflict. International support and funding may be directed toward the rebuilding of infrastructures and services that are indispensable to the region.
A cessation of hostilities will allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza; there are plans for 600 trucks of supplies to enter the region daily. The situation is desperate for many Palestinians, as they survive in deplorable conditions amidst continuous conflict. IDF will be removed from heavily populated Gaza, and an area will be created as a buffer zone for displaced Palestinians so that they may return to their homes.
