✨ Hope is in the air! After a nerve-wracking delay, the much-awaited ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip has finally kicked in. The 15-month-long conflict that has shaken the Middle East is on pause, giving everyone a moment to breathe.
Residents in Gaza reported a blissful silence 🕊️ about half an hour before the ceasefire was implemented. The sounds of airstrikes and artillery that had become a grim soundtrack to daily life have, for now, faded away.
But the road to this moment wasn't smooth. Between the initial planned start at 06:30 GMT and the actual ceasefire at 09:15 GMT, Israeli attacks tragically claimed the lives of 13 Palestinians, according to local medics.
So, what caused the delay? Israel pointed fingers at Hamas, saying they didn't provide the names of the first three hostages to be released under the deal. Hamas, on the other hand, cited some unspecified \"technical\" reasons. 🧐
A Palestinian official hinted that mediators had asked for 48 hours of calm before the ceasefire could begin. But continued strikes made things complicated. Two hours past the deadline, Hamas sent over the list of names: Romi Gonen, Doron Steinbrecher, and Emily Damari. Israel confirmed receiving the names but hasn't officially announced them yet.
This ceasefire is a big deal—it might just pave the way to ending a conflict that started back on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched attacks that, according to Israeli authorities, killed around 1,200 people. In response, Israel's actions have left much of Gaza in ruins, with Gaza-based health authorities reporting nearly 47,000 Palestinian deaths. 💔
The war hasn't just affected Gaza and Israel; it's stirred the entire Middle East. Tensions escalated between Israel and Iran, who backs Hamas and other groups in the region.
Let's keep our fingers crossed 🤞 for lasting peace. The ceasefire offers a glimmer of hope in a region that desperately needs it.
Reference(s):
Gaza ceasefire deal takes effect and fighting halts after delay
cgtn.com
