The Ceasefire in Gaza- Nellie N
The most recent and significant breakthrough in 15 months of war has occurred this week. Since the armed Palestinian group Hamas attacked Israel in October of 2023, there has been ongoing strikes and brutality hitting Gaza. Here is everything you need to know about what happened on October 7th 2023, the situation and the ceasefire:
October 7th 2023
Hundreds of Hamas-led gunmen launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel, breaching the border fence and targeting communities, police stations, and army bases. Approximately 1,200 people were killed, and more than 250 hostages were taken back to Gaza. Hamas also fired thousands of rockets into Israel. In response, Israel launched a massive military campaign, primarily by air and then through a ground invasion. Since then, Israel has attacked targets across Gaza by land, sea, and air, while Hamas has continued to fire rockets into Israel. Israel’s combat has devastated Gaza, leading to severe food shortages, with aid struggling to reach those most in need. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 46,700 people, the majority of them civilians, have been killed by Israel’s attacks. More than two million people have been forced out of their homes by Israeli military action. The mass of death and lack of safety has caused worldwide sadness.
The situation
After months of unclear negotiations, Israel and Hamas reached a ceasefire, however deep mistrust remains. Hamas demanded an end to the war before releasing hostages, which Israel refused. The ceasefire pauses the conflict but may not end it permanently as senior western diplomats fear that after the first phase of 42 days the war could resume. The status of the hostages and whether Hamas knows their locations is uncertain. Hamas also demanded the release of certain prisoners, including those from the October 7 attacks, which Israel rejected. It’s unclear if Israel will withdraw from the buffer zone or if its presence will be indefinite. The ceasefire is fragile, and even minor incidents could escalate the conflict. At least 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli strikes on northern Gaza around the time the ceasefire was announced.
The Ceasefire
The specifics of the deal have not been officially disclosed, but a finalized agreement would halt the war in Gaza, include an exchange of hostages and prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and the return of displaced Palestinians. When Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, they seized 251 hostages and are currently holding 94. Israel believes only 60 of these hostages are still alive. In exchange for the hostages, Israel is expected to release about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, some of whom have been imprisoned for years.
The ceasefire will happen in three stages, pending approval from Israel’s government.
Stage One: A six-week complete ceasefire- confirmed by US President Biden, with initial exchange of 33 hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Israeli troops withdraw from populated areas, and humanitarian aid increases.
Stage Two: ‘Permanent’ end to the war with the release of remaining hostages for more Palestinian prisoners. Full withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Stage Three: Reconstruction of Gaza and return of any remaining hostages’ bodies.
The horrific and damaging impact of the war will continue to have an effect on Gaza and Palestinians for centuries to come. With an unstable promise of peace, we can only hope that the ceasefire will be a foundation for reconstruction and a new era to repair the heart-breaking consequences.
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