UN and world leaders call for peace
After months of devastation and bloodshed in Gaza, a truce between Israel and Hamas has finally been signed. The United Nations and relief agencies state they are now ramping up to provide relief to civilians in Gaza. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said, “This nightmare has gone on too long. But now, there’s a real chance to turn the tide. Every minute counts.”
At the same time, Paris is hosting a high-level meeting to consider potential arrangements for Gaza’s future in the event that the ceasefire materialises. Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates will be represented by ministers, along with European representatives from the UK, Italy, Germany, and Spain. But Israel was not invited to the meeting—something Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Saar, has decried as being “concocted behind Israel’s back”.
Trump’s ceasefire deal breakdown
Ex-U.S. President Donald Trump publicised what he calls the “first phase” of a Gaza peace plan. The plan has several major steps set to end fighting and pave the way for an extended peace.
The deal, as Trump outlines, is thus:
- An immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
- The freeing of all Israeli hostages being held in Gaza.
- The eventual release of as many as 1,950 Palestinian detainees and prisoners, including around 250 prisoners in Israeli jails and 1,700 detainees in Gaza.
- The reopening of humanitarian materials and foods into Gaza.
- A staged Israeli withdrawal of military forces to a line agreed to within Israeli borders.
If the Israeli government approves the plan, the ceasefire will immediately take effect. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has guaranteed that once the plan is implemented, a countdown of 72 hours will be initiated for Hamas to free all the hostages.
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How the next few days could go
The agreement is to be approved by the Israeli cabinet on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Jerusalem time. Upon approval, the ceasefire is to go into effect immediately. U.S. officials Jared Kushner, former Trump advisor and son-in-law, and envoy Steve Witkoff are reported to fly to Israel to manage the operation.
Israeli troops can complete disengagement within 24 hours of the ceasefire being implemented, US officials said. On Monday, the 20 Israeli hostages believed still alive would be reunited with their families.
Gaza and Israel scenes of celebration
In Gaza, crowds took to the streets to celebrate the news. Palestinians danced, waved flags, and cheered in Khan Yunis. Others view it as an opportunity for peace after a long time of tragedy and suffering.
In Israel, there were also celebrations, especially at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. There was dancing in the rain under the Israeli and American flags. There was a woman with a sign that said, “We love Trump,” and another who was crying tears of joy. “It’s such a relief,” she told us. “We just want our people to return home.”
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France’s role and the future of Gaza
The Paris summit will presumably focus on rebuilding Gaza and developing a political agenda for the “day after” the ceasefire. France clarified that the summit will help in developing a framework of cooperation and peace among states in the region. The Israeli government, however, complained of exclusion from the forum.
While this agreement is the biggest breakthrough in months, officials caution it still may not be the war’s end. The path to peace will depend on whether both sides hold to their promises in the coming days.
For now, though, there is hope. “It feels like maybe—just maybe—this is the beginning of the end,” enthused one Tel Aviv street celebrant, an Israeli woman.
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