In a groundbreaking move towards peace, Israel and Hamas have agreed to a ceasefire and hostage release deal after more than 15 months of intense conflict in Gaza. The ceasefire is set to kick off this Sunday at 8:30 a.m. local time (06:30 GMT), bringing a much-needed pause to the hostilities.
This historic agreement unfolds in three phases over 42 days. In the first phase, Hamas will release 33 hostages, a significant step towards easing tensions. Meanwhile, Israel has committed to a phased withdrawal of its troops from the northern Gaza Strip and will begin releasing Palestinian prisoners.
Adding to the hopeful developments, the Rafah crossing—the sole gateway between the Gaza Strip and Egypt—is slated to reopen on Sunday. This reopening is a lifeline for the residents of Gaza, as approximately 600 aid trucks are expected to roll in, delivering essential supplies and humanitarian aid.
The atmosphere on the ground is a mix of cautious optimism and relief. Communities on both sides are eager for a return to normalcy and the chance to rebuild. This ceasefire could be the first step towards lasting peace in the region.
Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops! 🌍✌️
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
