Israel and Hamas Agree on Ceasefire Agreement, But Major Challenges Lie Ahead

January 16, 2025 – Islamabad: After 15 months of brutal conflict that has devastated Gaza and claimed thousands of lives, Israel and Hamas have reached a landmark ceasefire agreement, which will end the hostilities and secure the release of Israeli hostages. The announcement, confirmed by U.S. and Qatari officials on Wednesday, brings a glimmer of hope to a region that has witnessed unprecedented violence since the onset of the war in October 2023.

Phased Agreement: What to Expect

The deal, brokered by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, is structured into three distinct phases. The first phase, set to begin this Sunday, will see a six-week halt in fighting. During this period, Israel is expected to withdraw from key areas of Gaza, allowing humanitarian aid to flood into the besieged enclave. The first phase also includes the release of 33 Israeli hostages, a number that includes both living and deceased captives, in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian women and children held in Israeli prisons.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, however, has yet to fully confirm the details, stating that final arrangements were still being negotiated. Netanyahu himself expressed concerns about Hamas potentially reneging on certain parts of the deal, particularly regarding the release of Palestinian prisoners.

A significant aspect of the deal is the release of civilian hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, including individuals convicted of mass murder. While Hamas has agreed to release these prisoners in stages, Israel has insisted that some individuals, particularly those with significant security risks, may not be freed under the agreement.

The Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

While the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement offers a temporary reprieve from the violence, it also underscores the staggering humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The United Nations reports that Israeli forces have displaced approximately 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents, and large parts of the enclave have turned to rubble. The international community is bracing for the immense challenges ahead, as Gaza begins to recover from the worst destruction it has seen in decades.

Phase two of the agreement, set to begin after the first 16 days of the ceasefire, will address the remaining Israeli hostages, including soldiers, with the aim of completing the exchange. The second phase also includes a complete withdrawal of Israeli military forces from Gaza, although this remains a contentious issue. Israel insists on neutralizing Hamas’ military capabilities before any full-scale withdrawal. Hamas, on the other hand, makes it clear that it will not release the last hostages until Israel removes all its forces from the region.

In phase three, which will take place after the completion of the previous stages, the focus will shift to the return of the remains of those Israeli hostages who did not survive captivity. Additionally, authorities expect to begin the reconstruction of Gaza in earnest, though questions remain about who will fund the rebuilding process and how the long-term political situation will evolve.

Also See: Gaza, Kashmir, and Damascus: The Cost of Conflict

International Reactions and Diplomatic Efforts

The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has been welcomed by various global leaders, though with differing emphases on the next steps. Indonesian officials have called for the creation of a sovereign Palestinian state as part of a lasting peace agreement. Iran’s Revolutionary Guard praised the deal as a “great victory” for Hamas, celebrating the apparent resilience of Palestinian resistance.

On the other hand, Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed concern over Israel’s actions, criticizing the “indiscriminate use of force” and calling for the truce to evolve into a permanent ceasefire. The country also urged for immediate scaling of humanitarian assistance to Gaza, which has suffered immensely under the Israeli offensive.

Japan and South Korea, two U.S. allies in Asia, expressed cautious optimism. Japan urged all parties to implement the deal “sincerely and steadily,” while South Korea called for a “thorough and swift implementation” to ensure the safe return of all hostages and to alleviate the dire humanitarian conditions.

The United Nations, led by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, has pledged to assist in the implementation of the ceasefire and ramp up humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Hamas’ Strong Reaction

Hamas has celebrated the agreement, framing it as a victory for Palestinian resistance. The group’s political bureau chief, Khalil al-Hayyah, called the deal a “new phase” that would help rebuild Gaza and alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Hamas also hailed the agreement as a step toward achieving Palestinian liberation, echoing the sentiment of its ally, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, which had initially expressed concerns over the ceasefire but ultimately lent its support.

“We are able—by the grace of God and the support of our brothers and sisters—to rebuild Gaza again, heal the wounds, and bring back what was lost,” al-Hayyah said in a speech.

Complications and Challenges Ahead

Despite the hopeful tone, the deal remains fragile. Israeli officials have expressed skepticism about Hamas’ ability to fully honor its commitments, and Netanyahu’s statements suggest that obstacles could still derail the agreement. One of the key points of contention is Hamas’ demand for Israel to release certain prisoners without allowing veto power over specific individuals.

Moreover, even as the ceasefire holds, the devastating effects of the war will linger. The families of Israeli hostages, many of whom have endured months of uncertainty, are still waiting to find out whether their loved ones are alive. The fate of Gaza’s displaced population remains equally uncertain, as returning refugees will face the daunting task of finding what remains of their homes in a city ravaged by relentless airstrikes.

Looking to the Future

The world now watches as the phases of this complex ceasefire deal unfold. While the ceasefire brings a temporary respite from the war, questions surrounding the long-term future of Gaza and the broader Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain unanswered.

The international community continues to stress the need for a political solution that addresses the root causes of the conflict, notably the call for a two-state solution. However, with deep divisions between Israel and Hamas, and with the potential for more violence on the horizon, the road to lasting peace remains uncertain.

Disclaimer: With input from the Associated Press.