A temporary ceasefire has been implemented between Israeli and Hamas forces in the Gaza Strip, marking the first respite in the 48-day conflict that has wreaked havoc on the Palestinian enclave.
The ceasefire commenced at 7 a.m. (0500 GMT) on Friday, with no major bombings, artillery strikes, or rocket attacks reported. However, both sides have cautioned that the war is far from over.
Accusations of sporadic violations have been exchanged between Hamas and Israel, despite the apparent lull in hostilities.
The ceasefire includes the release of 13 Israeli women and children held hostage by Hamas, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Additionally, humanitarian aid is set to flow into Gaza, addressing the dire situation caused by weeks of Israeli bombardment that has claimed thousands of Palestinian lives.
While Hamas has confirmed a cessation of hostilities, spokesperson Abu Ubaida emphasized that this is a “temporary truce.” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, stating that the pause would be short-lived, and fighting would resume with great intensity.
The conflict erupted when Hamas fighters breached the border fence into southern Israel on Oct. 7, resulting in 1,200 casualties and the seizure of approximately 240 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel’s response has been a sustained assault on the Gaza Strip, claiming the lives of around 14,000 Gazans, including a significant number of children.
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Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated rapidly, leading to the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents as essential supplies dwindle. The ongoing conflict, described as the bloodiest episode in decades of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, has seen Israel’s aim to eradicate Hamas permanently.
In the lead-up to the ceasefire, fighting persisted, with reports of a hospital in Gaza City among the targets bombed.
As part of the agreement, the release of hostages began at 4 p.m. (1400 GMT), with the total number expected to reach 50 over four days. Simultaneously, 39 Palestinian prisoners, including women and teenagers, are set to be released by Israel in exchange for the hostages.
The truce also facilitates the delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza, with 60 trucks crossing from Egypt at the Rafah border point by mid-morning. The aid includes fuel, gas, and other essentials crucial for addressing the humanitarian crisis in the region.
While the temporary ceasefire provides a momentary reprieve, the future remains uncertain as both sides hint at the resumption of hostilities in the days to come.