Today, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed an agreement to a ceasefire in Gaza. This settlement went into effect at noon local time (5 a.m. ET) on Friday. This announcement marks a huge watershed moment. It follows a catastrophic two-year conflict that has spurred unprecedented worldwide condemnation and fundamentally altered the political landscape of the Middle East. As the ceasefire begins to take root, the world watches intently, as do the people living in Gaza—hoping this step will indeed lead to lasting peace in the region.
In the wake of the ongoing realities of the war in Gaza, Israel became remarkably isolated on the international scene. Since the beginning of the past two years, escalating tensions and violence have invited condemnation from numerous countries and organizations around the world. The humanitarian impact has been staggering, with deafening public outcry leading many Palestinians to feast in joy over the announced cessation of hostilities. For the past five days, Gaza’s Civil Defense has been releasing increasingly urgent calls for citizens to evacuate. Until city officials announce that Israeli forces have withdrawn, they warn those in Gaza to avoid the border areas of Gaza City.
In the early hours of Friday morning, the Israeli cabinet approved the ceasefire deal. This decision indicates a definitive new trend in the conduct of military operations. Israeli security forces had begun withdrawing from certain areas of the Gaza Strip as part of the plan’s first phase, for the area’s return to Palestinian control. They’re said to be processing their withdrawal within 24 hours from now.
Khalil al Hayya, a senior Hamas negotiator, announced that the war in Gaza is finished. His announcement timing aligned with the IDF’s pledge to cease military activities, raising hopeful expectations from residents.
“The government has just now approved the framework for the release of all of the hostages – the living and the deceased,” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Those who have lived through the violence have welcomed the announcement of a ceasefire with open arms. Scant details about how it plans to accomplish this and achieve sustainable peace remain. In this regard, Chatham House’s Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa Programme, noted the following. She acknowledged that this new approach by Trump is putting pressure on Netanyahu’s government in ways that his predecessor was unable to.
“At the same time though, he has exerted considerable pressure on Benjamin Netanyahu — something that his predecessor, President [Joe] Biden was unwilling or unable to do. This is what is novel here,” – Sanam Vakil
With every passing moment, conditions in Gaza grow worse as officials work to figure out what needs to be done with this tenuous ceasefire. Just as citizens are starting to understand what that means for their everyday lives, Gaza’s Civil Defense has continued to sound the alarms.
“Violating this warning puts your life at risk,” – Official spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense
“We urge everyone to comply for your safety and to facilitate the work of emergency teams and field authorities,” – Official spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense