Jennifer Bell
As a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect in the besieged Gaza Strip, experts and officials warn that while the agreement provides immediate humanitarian relief, significant challenges lie ahead for Gaza’s reconstruction and lasting peace.
The initial 42-day truce, brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, includes a halt to hostilities, the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and the release of 33 out of 98 Israeli and foreign hostages. In exchange, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners detained in Israeli jails will be freed during the initial six-week phase.
Three Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners – with elation on the ceasefire deal felt on both sides of the border.
“In the past year and three months of the war, we have been feeling helpless about life continuing for us, and for our children, and women, and we lost, completely lost hope of ever surviving this war,” Palestinian resident Bilak Naeem told Al Arabiya English, via a translator. “We [had] put all our faith in God that there will be a ceasefire eventually, and thank god we received good news, and we were happy that our brothers in Qatar and Egypt, with their mediation, a deal was reached.”
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