The ceasefire in Gaza officially began on January 19 after delays and escalating violence, including Israeli airstrikes that killed 19 Palestinians and injured over 36. Originally scheduled for 8:30 a.m., the ceasefire was postponed until 11:30 a.m., with attacks targeting areas such as Rafah and Khan Yunis as civilians attempted to return to their devastated neighbourhoods.
According to Israeli officials, the delay was caused by Hamas not providing the names of three women captives slated for release in the prisoner exchange until later in the morning. By 10:00 a.m., Israeli media confirmed the list had been received, and Hamas’ Qassam Brigades publicly announced the names shortly thereafter.
In preparation for the ceasefire, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that thousands of police officers were deployed across the region to maintain order and security. Videos and photos shared on social media depicted armed resistance fighters and security personnel moving through the streets of Gaza, greeted by cheering crowds.
Israeli media described the redeployment of Hamas forces across Gaza, noting that despite the prolonged conflict, Hamas maintained control over the territory throughout the fighting, aside from areas that had been completely evacuated.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces withdrew from locations such as Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Jabalia. Observers acknowledged that after more than a year of war, Israel had been unable to dismantle Hamas’ governance or install an alternative authority in Gaza.
The ceasefire is expected to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into the region. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), 4,000 aid trucks loaded with supplies are ready to cross into Gaza to address the dire humanitarian crisis caused by the conflict.
However, the agreement has triggered sharp divisions within Israel’s political leadership. Far-right politicians, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir of the Otzma Yehudit party, strongly opposed the deal. Ben Gvir announced his resignation from the government in protest, stating that his party would not support what he called a reckless arrangement.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, leader of the Religious Zionist Party, also criticized the ceasefire, demanding assurances that military operations would resume. Smotrich described Gaza as uninhabitable and vowed that further actions would replace any celebrations among Palestinians with grief and devastation.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the ceasefire during a speech on January 18, emphasizing that Israel would continue pursuing its military objectives. Netanyahu stated that both former U.S. President Donald Trump and current President Joe Biden had affirmed Israel’s right to resume military action if necessary, either during or after the ceasefire agreement.
The year-long conflict has left Gaza in ruins, with entire neighborhoods destroyed and tens of thousands displaced. The ceasefire provides a brief pause in hostilities, but tensions remain high, and the long-term stability of the agreement is uncertain. Both sides have expressed skepticism about the ceasefire’s durability, and the potential for renewed violence looms.
