GAZA: Israel’s government has approved the first phase of a ceasefire agreement with Hamas, paving the way for an end to nearly two years of devastating conflict in Gaza.
According to Al Jazeera, the deal — mediated by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar — includes an exchange of captives and an Israeli withdrawal from parts of the besieged enclave. However, the broader framework for lasting peace remains unclear.
Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s negotiating team, said the group has received guarantees from Washington and mediating countries that the truce means the war “has ended completely.” The Israeli cabinet’s vote early Friday followed hours of debate, with far-right ministers opposing any agreement that allows Hamas to maintain governance in Gaza.
Exchange of Captives and Israeli Pullback
Under the first phase, Hamas is to release Israeli captives within 72 hours, while Israel begins a phased military withdrawal. The US-brokered plan calls for a reciprocal release of Palestinian prisoners and the entry of large-scale humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Israeli media reported that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced strong opposition from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said he would not remain in a government “that allows Hamas rule to continue.” Despite the objections, officials confirmed the truce could take effect within 24 hours once both sides begin implementing agreed steps.
US Deploys Task Force to Oversee Ceasefire Implementation
The United States announced it will deploy up to 200 troops to Israel to form a Civil-Military Coordination Centre (CMCC) under US Central Command to support stabilization and humanitarian efforts in Gaza.
US officials emphasized that “no American troops will enter Gaza,” adding that the coordination cell will include representatives from Egypt, Qatar, Turkey, and the United Arab Emirates.
According to Reuters, the CMCC will facilitate the flow of humanitarian and security assistance to Gaza and monitor compliance with the ceasefire terms.
Airstrikes Continue Despite Truce Vote
Despite the Israeli cabinet’s approval of the ceasefire plan, Israeli warplanes carried out intense strikes in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis early Friday, followed by artillery shelling in Gaza City’s Al-Sabra and Tal Al-Hawa neighborhoods.
Footage published by Reuters showed explosions and black smoke over Gaza at dawn. Eyewitnesses told CNN that heavy bombardment continued even after the truce was reportedly ratified, raising uncertainty about whether Netanyahu has issued orders to halt operations.
Hospital officials said 27 Palestinians were killed on Thursday alone, including eight in Israeli fire and 15 bodies pulled from the rubble. An earlier strike on a Gaza City home trapped more than 40 people, including women and children.
War’s Enormous Human Cost
Since October 2023, Israel’s war on Gaza has killed at least 67,194 people and wounded 169,890, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Thousands more remain missing beneath the ruins of destroyed buildings.
In Israel, 1,139 people were killed and around 200 taken captive during the October 7 attacks that triggered the conflict. As the ceasefire takes effect, international leaders have urged both sides to ensure the truce leads to a permanent end to hostilities and unrestricted humanitarian access to Gaza’s devastated population.
