The fragile Gaza ceasefire, delayed by three hours on Sunday, began amid ongoing violence and fears it might collapse. The truce involves the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees but faces internal and political challenges in Israel. The agreement’s long-term success remains uncertain due to political divisions and logistical obstacles.
Delayed Start to a Fragile Truce
A ceasefire in Gaza finally began on Sunday, three hours behind schedule. The delay raised tensions as Israeli airstrikes continued, claiming at least 19 lives, while families in Israel feared the agreement with Hamas might collapse. The truce, agreed upon last Wednesday, began at 10:15 a.m. CET.
Israel blamed Hamas for failing to provide timely information about the hostages due for release. Hamas cited “technical reasons” for the delay. Eventually, three women—Romi Gonen, Emily Damari, and Doron Steinbrecher—were freed. They were seen on television surrounded by crowds as they were transported from Gaza. The Red Cross reported that all three were in good health. In exchange, Israel agreed to release 90 Palestinian detainees.
Stories of the Released Hostages
The released women had harrowing experiences. Romi Gonen, 24, was abducted from the Nova Music Festival near Gaza during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. Emily Damari, 28, holds both Israeli and British citizenship, while Doron Steinbrecher, 31, is also a Romanian citizen. Both were taken from their homes in Kibbutz Kfar Aza.
Meanwhile, thousands of displaced residents in Gaza returned to survey the damage to their homes. According to the UN, 90% of Gaza’s population has been displaced during the conflict, often living under dire conditions. The destruction of infrastructure over 15 months of war has left the region in ruins.
A Three-Phase Agreement
The six-week ceasefire is part of a three-phase deal brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar. In the first phase, 97 Israeli hostages in Gaza are to be freed in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian detainees. The deal also requires Israel to withdraw troops from densely populated areas of Gaza and improve humanitarian aid. By Sunday, the UN’s World Food Program reported that initial aid deliveries had reached Gaza through southern and northern border crossings.
The second phase of the agreement includes a longer-term truce, the release of all remaining Israeli hostages, and the exchange of hundreds of additional Palestinian prisoners. The third phase envisions rebuilding Gaza and returning the remains of deceased Israeli captives. However, these stages remain uncertain due to political and logistical challenges.
Political Pressure and Divisions in Israel
Israel’s government faces internal divisions over the deal. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the agreement as temporary and stated that Israel would resume its military campaign if talks on the second phase fail. The U.S. has pledged full support for Israel in this scenario.
Right-wing coalition partners, including Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, strongly oppose the deal. Ben-Gvir’s party, Otzma Yehudit, left the coalition in protest. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich criticized the truce but remained in the government. Despite opposition, Netanyahu received temporary support from opposition leader Yair Lapid to pass the agreement in parliament.
Critics, including Ben-Gvir and Smotrich, argue that releasing Palestinian prisoners could lead to future attacks. They continue to demand the complete destruction of Hamas, echoing Netanyahu’s earlier vow after the October 7 massacre.
This fragile truce provides a glimpse of hope but underscores the complexities of achieving lasting peace in the region. Whether the agreement can endure remains uncertain.