After 466 Days of War … Gaza Ceasefire Agreement is Here …
After more than 15 months of a war that claimed the lives of approximately 47,000 Palestinians, mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the United States announced Gaza three-phase ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas.
The agreement capped intense efforts and rounds of shuttle diplomacy.
Through indirect negotiations between the two sides to end the longest and bloodiest conflict in the history of the Palestinian-Israeli struggle.
It also aims to secure the phased release of dozens of hostages held by Hamas and the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israel.
In addition to the return of hundreds thousands of displaced Gazans, to what remains of their homes.
Furthermore, it will allow the flow of much-needed humanitarian aid into Gaza.
As Arab and international voices welcomed Gaza ceasefire agreement, Joe Biden and Donald Trump both sought to take credit for brokering the deal.
Donald Trump Stops Gaza War
Trump claimed to be the “driving force” behind the agreement, stating on social media:
“This historic ceasefire agreement could not have happened without our monumental victory in November’s election.
It showed the world my administration’s commitment to peace and negotiating deals to ensure the safety of all Americans and our allies.
I am delighted that American and Israeli hostages will return home to reunite with their families and loved ones.”
He added, “We’ve achieved so much even without being in the White House.
Just imagine the incredible things that will happen when I return.”
Biden, however, emphasized that the agreement was reached under the “framework and parameters” his administration outlined in late May.
Benjamin Netanyahu Reaction:
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appeared cautious.
Issuing vague statements that hinted the matter was not yet fully resolved.
Netanyahu’s office stated that Gaza ceasefire agreement remained incomplete.
As the final details were still being negotiated, with approval required from the Israeli cabinet.
An Israeli official familiar with the negotiations revealed that these details focused on confirming the list of Palestinian prisoners to be released.
The German news agency DPA reported that Netanyahu’s office would issue a statement regarding the ceasefire in Gaza once these final details were settled.
According to the Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth, these details include “technical matters”.
Such as the precise determination of the list of Palestinian prisoners to be freed.
Why is Benjamin Netanyahu Cautious ?
Analysts attribute Netanyahu’s cautious stance to threats from members of his coalition government.
Who have warned of withdrawing from the government.
In case any agreement with Hamas does not guarantee a return to fighting and the occupation of parts of Gaza.
Scott Lucas, a Middle East conflict expert at University College Dublin, noted:
“If Netanyahu, long considered an obstacle to a final agreement, abandons his objections, he could face unrest within his government from far-right members.”
Lucas explained that the agreement announced on Wednesday had been proposed in May and discussed over the summer.
In September, a senior Israeli negotiator, Mossad chief David Barnea, returned to Qatar amid hopes of reaching a resolution.
However, Netanyahu later introduced a condition requiring Israeli forces to continue occupying two areas in Gaza:
Philadelphi Corridor (Salah al-Din Road) along the Egyptian border and Netzarim axis through the center of Gaza.
Is This the End of Netanyahu ?
It remains unclear why Netanyahu now appears ready to accept the ceasefire.
Some reports suggest a meeting with Steve Witkoff, Trump’s envoy, may have influenced the decision.
Trump effectively gave Netanyahu a blank check in October, saying, “Bibi, do what you need to do.”
Netanyahu has been under pressure for months from former members of his war cabinet, such as:
Benny Gantz and dismissed Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
As well as opposition parties and segments of Israeli society, particularly the families of hostages.
Lucas suggested that Netanyahu has long resisted these pressures.
He was preferring open-ended war to completely eliminate Hamas.
But now, he might present the agreement as a pragmatic step given the changing U.S. administration.
However, the ceasefire could lead to early elections if his government fractures.
This scenario could refocus attention on Netanyahu’s corruption trial and his accountability for past actions.
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, expressed the UAE’s welcome of the announcement of the agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, and on the release of detainees, hostages and prisoners. pic.twitter.com/aDKm6C46BQ
— UAE Voice (@uae_voiceeng) January 16, 2025
Has Trump Offered Netanyahu Any Concessions To Continue With Gaza Ceasefire Agreement ?
Questions have also arisen about the concessions Trump may have offered Netanyahu.
So he accept the ceasefire and fulfill one of the president-elect’s campaign promises.
Lucas speculated that one possibility is Trump’s administration signaling acceptance of expanding Israeli settlements in the West Bank.
Such a move could pacify far-right Israeli ministers Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich.
Leading them to drop their objections to the ceasefire.
Amid these speculations, roughly two million Palestinians in Gaza hope the announced agreement will proceed as planned.
The ceasefire is scheduled to take effect on Sunday at 12:15 PM local time (10:15 GMT), initiating the first phase of a 42-day pause in hostilities.
This offers a reprieve from continuous bombardment and gives Israeli families of detainees hope for reunions with their loved ones, whether alive or deceased.
