On Friday, Israel’s top leaders met to discuss a ceasefire deal for Gaza, with hopes to end the fighting and release hostages. This agreement, which might start this weekend, aims to stop the most dangerous war in Gaza’s history, allowing dozens of hostages to be freed. These hostages have been held since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.
Qatar, the United States, and Egypt helped make this deal possible. If everyone agrees, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails will also be released in the coming weeks. Since the deal was suggested, there have been new airstrikes in Gaza, causing more death and destruction. The Israeli army said they attacked around 50 targets, and over 100 people were killed since the announcement.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office indicated that if the deal goes through, some hostages might be released as soon as Sunday. People in Gaza, who lost their homes because of the war, are eager to return. “I just want to go back to my land,” one displaced person said, expressing deep sorrow for having to leave.
In Israel, there are mixed feelings. Some are happy about hostages coming home, but there’s also sadness for those who have died. The road to this agreement has been complicated. Some Israeli leaders are against it, accusing Hamas of trying to change terms at the last minute, an accusation Hamas denies.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes the ceasefire will happen as planned. Gaza’s civil defense reports that Israeli airstrikes killed many people even after the deal was announced. Hamas warned that bombings could endanger the hostages still alive.
The war began after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing over 1,200 people. The conflict has claimed around 46,788 lives in Gaza, mainly innocent civilians. The ceasefire deal is the result of much effort from international mediators, including a collaboration between the teams of former President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden.
Qatar’s Prime Minister shared that the initial plan for the ceasefire is for 42 days, with the first 33 hostages released, including women and children. Israeli forces would also leave crowded areas so displaced families can go home. Reports say that the first three hostages—Israeli female soldiers—could be released as early as Sunday evening and taken to Egypt before returning home.
Biden said if the second part of the deal is completed, it might bring a lasting peace in the region and help provide essential aid to Palestinian people, connecting families with their loved ones.
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