According to sources from Gaza residents and officials published by Reuters on January 16, just hours after the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas was announced, the Israeli army increased airstrikes on the Gaza Strip.
The ceasefire agreement, reached after months of negotiations involving mediators including Qatar, Egypt and others, is expected to take effect on January 19.
The deal includes a six-week ceasefire, with a roadmap for a gradual withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, where tens of thousands have been killed in 15 months of bloody conflict. Hostages held by Hamas will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
At a press conference in Doha, Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed that the ceasefire would begin on January 19. He also said negotiators were working on the next steps to ensure the agreement is implemented as planned.
However, immediately after the agreement was announced, the Israeli Air Force intensified its attacks on Gaza, especially in Gaza City, Rafah and Nuseirat. According to medical sources, 32 people were killed in airstrikes on the night of January 15, and attacks continued on the morning of January 16. Meanwhile, there were no reports of Hamas attacks on Israel following the ceasefire announcement.
Gazans, while happy with the news of the ceasefire, remain cautious, concerned that Israel may increase attacks to gain an advantage before the ceasefire officially takes effect.
Despite that, news of the deal brought joy and hope to both sides. In Gaza, crowds took to the streets to celebrate, waving flags and shouting in joy. "I cried, but they were tears of joy," said Ghada, a displaced mother.
In Tel Aviv, the hostages' families also expressed relief, calling the deal "a new hope for reuniting with loved ones".
Under the deal, the first phase will see the release of 33 Israeli hostages, including all women, children and men over the age of 50. Two American hostages, Keith Siegel and Sagui Dekel-Chen, are also on the release list.
A ceasefire, if successful, would end the violence that has killed more than 46,000 people and displaced much of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. It could also ease tensions in the Middle East, which has been severely affected by the conflict.
