A ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas takes effect from Sunday 19 January. If it holds, this will mark the first pause in hostilities since November 2023.
The initial stage of the agreement outlines a six-week ceasefire, the release of an agreed number of hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, the partial withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza and the return of displaced Palestinians to Northern Gaza.
The announcement of a ceasefire offers immediate relief to civilians in Gaza, where life has become unbearable, with access to the simplest necessities, such as food, water, medicine and electricity, almost impossible to obtain. Civilians have borne the brunt of the conflict. Over 46,000 Palestinians in all have been killed, with countless others suffering due to starvation, dehydration, disease and the deprivation of humanitarian aid. Civilian infrastructure has been devastated, with attacks extending to designated humanitarian zones and medical facilities.
A halt, or at least a huge reduction in attacks during the ceasefire, will allow for greater freedom of movement. Crucially, it should facilitate the delivery and distribution of urgently needed humanitarian aid.
For the families of the Israeli hostages, the agreement brings renewed hope for the safe return of their loved ones. Hostages’ families have been a consistent source of pressure on Israel’s government to seek an end to the war.
While the ceasefire is a significant step, the situation remains highly unstable. Strikes by Israeli forces in Gaza have continued throughout the negotiations, and there is no guarantee that the ceasefire will extend to later phases, that all hostages will be released, or that Israel will fully withdraw from Gaza. Ceasefire violations, similar to those seen in Lebanon, remain likely.
This agreement does not mark the end of the war or guarantee long-term improvements to the conditions in Gaza. However, it is a crucial development that offers a glimmer of hope amid ongoing suffering.
Many of the terms of the ceasefire agreement stipulate conduct which is already required under international humanitarian law. Ceasefire Centre for Civilian Rights continues to call for the respect of international law by all parties and accountability for violations.
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