After 15 months of brutal conflict, hopes for peace are rising in the Middle East. Israel and Hamas have reached a ceasefire accord with several conditions set by both sides. During these 15 months, several international players attempted to mediate, yet the war extended to Iran, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and Lebanon. Understanding how this ceasefire came to be is crucial. What were the major reasons behind it, and who benefits the most? Is there a significant strategy by Israel? Despite support, this ceasefire faces opposition in Israel, with one of Netanyahu's close allies, Itamar Ben-Gvir, resigning due to disagreement.
Why did Israel and Hamas Agree to a Ceasefire?
This question arises as a ceasefire was proposed eight months ago but wasn't agreed upon by then. Hamas expressed readiness for peace talks with Israel, yet at that time, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declined the deal despite international pressure, stating that their goals in the Gaza region needed to be secured first. Now, why has Netanyahu agreed?
Understanding Israel's Position...
Significant changes have occurred in the region recently. Israel believes its influence in the Middle East has strengthened. Numerous key fighters from Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia group, were neutralized by Israeli operations, as were leading Hamas commanders, including Yahya Sinwar. Moreover, in October, Israeli airstrikes on Iran decimated its air defense systems. Assad's regime in Syria, seen as a bridge between Iran and Lebanon, was toppled. These events have fortified Israel's standing in the region and weakened its adversaries.
Netanyahu's Compromise...
Despite these developments, Israel couldn't completely dismantle Hamas after 15 months of conflict. Netanyahu repeatedly vowed to obliterate Hamas, yet even with substantial blows to its infrastructure and leaders, Hamas persisted. According to a report in The Hindu, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken noted that Hamas had replenished its fighters lost in the war. Realizing warfare alone won't eliminate Hamas, Israel chose negotiation to secure hostages while facing growing domestic protests over captives.
Source: aajtak
The Role of the USA
Biden has long worked to end the Israeli-Hamas conflict, standing by Israel while providing military aids. As Trump's inauguration approaches, this agreement materialized, with media worldwide emphasizing the 'Trump factor.' Previously, Trump warned that without freeing Israeli hostages before his term begins, the entire Middle East could erupt in flames. Trump's stance as a supporter of Israel is acknowledged globally.
Meanwhile, Yemen's role is noteworthy. Amidst the Israel-Gaza conflict, attacks from Yemen persisted, affecting Red Sea commercial activity. Despite relentless assaults from Israel and the USA, Houthi rebel attacks continued. A ceasefire is anticipated to halt Houthi offenses, benefiting the global economy.
The Damage to Gaza in This War
This conflict between Israel and Hamas kicked off on October 7, 2023, when Hamas fighters launched an attack on southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel started military operations, reportedly killing over 46,000 Palestinians according to Gaza's medical professionals. The conflict rendered millions homeless and forced thousands to flee. International aid to Gaza was obstructed by Israeli forces, leaving the region devastated.
Source: aajtak
The Three-Phase Agreement
Qatar's Prime Minister announced that Israel and Hamas agreed to a three-phase accord going into effect on Sunday. Let's explore these stages:
Phase One
The first phase will extend for 42 days (6 weeks). During this time, Hamas will release 33 Israeli hostages, reciprocated by over a thousand Palestinian detainees from Israeli prisons. Initially, three hostages will be freed, with subsequent releases occurring regularly throughout the six weeks.
Additionally, Israeli troops will vacate all populated areas in Gaza, facilitating the Palestinians' return to their neighborhoods in Gaza, while humanitarian aid delivery will hasten significantly, permitting hundreds of aid trucks daily into the area. The hospitals, clinics, and bakeries will undergo reconstruction.
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Phase Two
The second phase entails the release of remaining living hostages, along with more Palestinian prisoner releases following Israel's agreement to free 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including about 190 serving 15 years or more. Israeli troops' full withdrawal from Gaza will also occur.
Phase Three
The third and final phase encompasses Gaza's reconstruction, projected to span several years.
