After two long years of war, with 67,000 dead, massive displacements and more than 160,000 injured, according to the calculations managed by the UN itself, Gaza sees the light at the end of the tunnel. It’s not the first timebut this time the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas has generated enthusiasm among the local population and congratulations, among others, from Donald Trump. Israel has already begun to withdraw its troops towards the agreed line, but not before having made a move.
Which? Launch a bombardment on Khan Younis, south of the Strip, and Gaza City, only a few hours later that the Government gave its OK to the pact.
What has happened? That Gaza sees the light closer at the end of the long tunnel it entered two years agowhen Israel launched a broad military offensive on the Strip in response to Hamas attacks. Both parties have ratified an agreement promoted by Donald Trump that materialized on Thursday in Sharm el Sheikh with the participation of Qatari, Egyptian and Turkish mediators. Only a few hours later, early on Friday, the agreement received the support of the Israeli Government, which has supported him despite the votes against the far-right formations.
What exactly did they agree on? What they have agreed is the first phase of the plan promoted by Trump in Gaza, which in practice implies “the immediate end of the war”, but maintains some important challenges on the horizon, such as the disarmament of Hamas or the creation of a technocratic government. For now, in words of the American president, the agreement contemplates that “ALL (sic) hostages will be released very soon and Israel will withdraw troops to an agreed line” with a view to achieving “a solid, lasting and eternal peace.”
Now the road map contemplates that in 24 hours a ceasefire will come into force and the Israeli troops will withdraw to a line from which they will continue to maintain control of the 53% of the Strip. During the offensive it is estimated that he dominated more than 80%. After 72 hours after the end of the attacks, it will be Hamas’s turn, which will have to release the 20 hostages it still keeps alive. Later he will hand over the deceased. Israel will also release hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and detainees in Gaza. Another important point is the arrival of humanitarian aid.
How did the pact start? With bittersweet flavor. The Gazans have received the agreement with joy (and relief) after two years of war during which the Israeli offensive has resulted in 67,000 deadsome 170,000 injured, forced displacement and famine in Gaza recognized by the United Nations. However, the last few hours have left both positive and negative news.
Among the first (the hopeful ones) is the start of withdrawal of Israel, which today has begun to move its troops to the agreed line. Among the second (the bad ones or at the very least shocking) is the decision that the Hebrew Government adopted almost at the same time that it approved Trump’s partial plan: last morning its army bombed Khan Yunis, in the south of the Strip, and Gaza City (north), according to inform the Palestinian agency Wafa.
What were the attacks like? Air and artillery. Furthermore, they were carried out after the Israeli Government had given the green light to the ceasefire plan, again according to the information revealed by the Wafa agency and Filastin. Despite the withdrawal, troops remain stationed in certain military areas, such as the Netzarim Corridor, and the Gaza Civil Defense has asked Gazans to be cautious.
His advice is “not to approach or return to the areas where the occupation forces were present” until the departure of the Israeli army is made official. The message is directed above all to the border areas of Gaza City.
And now what? It is not the first ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. At the beginning of this year both parties already reached a pact which ended up being frustrated months later, in marchwhen Israel launched deadly attacks in Gaza and Hamas accused Benjamin Netanyahu of having acted “unilaterally.” Despite the challenges that still lie ahead, the new pact has generated expectation both between Palestinians and Israelis and between the authorities global.
Does context matter? Yes. The pact also comes in the midst of growing pressure regarding Israeli action in Gaza and the involvement of Donald Trump, who just yesterday, hours before the winner of the Nobel Peace Prize was announced, boasted having brokered the end of eight wars. The award has finally gone to Maria Corina Machadoleader of the Venezuelan opposition.
“Hope returns to us to stop the death, murders, destruction and displacement,” recognized yesterday eah The Country Abu Gamea, a 67-year-old Gazan.
Images | Wikipedia (Jaber Jehad Badwan)
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