Hamas has declared that the people of Gaza have achieved victory over Israel through the newly announced ceasefire, while Tel Aviv has indicated that the agreement is not yet finalized.
"We have shattered both the explicit and hidden goals of the enemy. Today, we demonstrate that the enemy will never defeat the people and their spirit of resistance," Khalil al-Hayya, a senior political leader of Hamas, announced on January 15 during a televised address following the ceasefire announcement.
Hayya described the agreement as a historic moment, referencing Hamas' October 2023 incursion into southern Israel as a "military success." He also praised allied groups like Hezbollah and the Houthis for supporting Hamas with strikes on Israel.
The senior Hamas official reaffirmed the group’s goal of dismantling Israel, reclaiming Jerusalem, and securing control of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. "The enemy will never see us weak," he added.
Background of the Conflict
The Gaza war has persisted for 15 months. In October 2023, Hamas launched an attack on southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and capturing hundreds as hostages. Israel responded with a large-scale campaign in Gaza, resulting in over 46,700 deaths and more than 110,000 injuries among Palestinians.
Terms of the Ceasefire
Mediated by multiple nations, the ceasefire is set to last 42 days in its initial phase. During this period, Hamas will gradually release 33 Israeli hostages. In exchange, Israel has agreed to withdraw its military forces from densely populated areas in Gaza, enabling civilians to return to their homes and setting the stage for further negotiations.
The number of Palestinian prisoners to be released in exchange for additional hostages will be determined during the initial ceasefire period.
Israeli Government Response
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement on January 15, noting that "several key terms" of the agreement remain unresolved and negotiations are still ongoing in Qatar.
Israel has refrained from making an official declaration on the ceasefire, stating it will only do so after finalizing all aspects of the agreement. The Israeli cabinet is expected to vote on approving the ceasefire deal later today. According to sources cited by Channel 12, Netanyahu is pushing for the agreement's approval despite resistance from some far-right members of his coalition.
Concerns and Challenges
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar acknowledged the difficult nature of the "ceasefire-for-hostages" deal, which involves releasing Palestinian prisoners accused of killing Israeli citizens.
"There are many painful aspects to this agreement. We are forced to choose between bad and worse scenarios. If we delay, who can say how many hostages will still be alive?" Sa'ar remarked.
"We have a responsibility to the kidnapped citizens. The Israeli government has committed to bringing them home. That commitment has guided us through these challenging decisions," he added.
(According to AP, CNN, Times of Israel)
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