The globally recognized conflict between Israel and the Palestinian political organization Hamas has been a streaming headline on numerous news channels for the past year. Dating back to the late 1940’s, when Israel gained independence and began occupying land in the Middle East, territorial issues between Palestine and Israel followed.
In 1967, Israel gained control of the Gaza Strip, a strip of land in Palestine, forcing 750,000 Palestinians from their land—an event known in Arabic as the Nakba. Almost sixty years later, terror still ensues: On October 7th, 2023, Hamas soldiers infiltrated southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking 250 Palestinian hostages. In response, Israel launched air-raids and widespread bombing raids leveling most of the Gaza territory, escalating the conflict further.
After a strenuous 15-month war, Israel and Hamas have finally come to a ceasefire agreement. On January 15th, 2025, both parties agreed to no more bloodshed following a series of Israeli hostage exchanges with imprisoned Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The long-awaited armistice was based on a proposal presented by former President Joe Biden in May 2024, which was drafted by mediators from Egypt, Qatar, and the United States. This drafted plan has three stages that will each happen depending on the outcome of the first phase starting January 19th.
Beginning January 19th, a 42-day period will begin in which the Gaza ceasefire deal hopes to maintain a complete armistice. Stage one of this deal is very fragmentary, and contains the exchange of many hostages, including Hamas releasing 33 hostages intermittently. These hostages include male and female Israeli civilians, female soldiers, and Thai citizens. The Red Cross facilitated the transport of these freed detainees across the Israeli border, ensuring their return to their homes and hospitals.
Israeli withdrawal was also agreed upon, including the release of 1,900 Palestinian soldiers and the military exit from populated areas such as the Netzarim Corridor, which had separated northern Gaza from the south. As of February 6th, an approximate 583 prisoners have been released, some of whom were serving life sentences for the serious crimes they committed; however, many of the released prisoners in the first exchange had been incarcerated without due trial, also known as administrative detention. Based on the severity of their crimes, Israel is either returning these prisoners to the West Bank, East Jerusalem, or deporting them.
Palestinian civilians will be allowed entry back into their homes. In an effort to address the devastation in Gaza, aid-lorries—large vehicles carrying emergency food and supplies— are being permitted daily admittance.
16 days after Stage One starts, negotiation for Stage Two will begin. Stage Two, hopes to establish three main goals. The ceasefire deal will remain permanent, and Israeli forces must make a complete withdrawal. Additionally, the exchange of hostages between Israel and Hamas will continue. Hostages in Gaza, including citizens and soldiers, will be given back in return for more Palestinian prisoners.
If Israel and Hamas reach an agreement at Stage Three, it would effectively bring the war to an end. The return of the remaining hostages, as well as the bodies of the deceased, would take place as well. The probability of the final stage happening and the proposed date of negotiation is unknown as much is to be discussed between both sides in the two prior stages. Conflicts persist over completing the withdrawals of both sides, the remaining hostages, and a clear plan for the future of the government as Israel and Hamas attempt to negotiate.
Although there is no amount of compensation for the lives lost in this war, this ceasefire agreement is a significant victory in the hearts of those who have been affected. As the three stages progress, many hope this ceasefire gradually becomes permanent and the start of the end of the war in Gaza. This armistice is for a short period of time; nevertheless, it is the first step for any hope of reconstruction for the citizens of Gaza.