Families and supporters of Israeli hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas attended a demonstration in support of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, the day before it went into effect, in Jerusalem, on January 18, 2025. The ceasefire, set to take effect at 8:30 a.m. local time on Sunday, has been described as a step towards ending the deadliest and most destructive fighting between Israel and the Hamas militant group.
In a national address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the country was treating the ceasefire as temporary and retained the right to continue fighting if necessary. He claimed he had the support of US President-elect Donald Trump. Netanyahu also asserted that he had negotiated the best deal possible, despite opposition from some Israeli officials, including Public Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who said he and most of his party would resign from the government in opposition to the deal.
The ceasefire is meant to be a 42-day pause in the fighting, with negotiations on a longer-term agreement to follow. The deal was brokered by Qatar and came into effect following pressure from Trump and the outgoing administration of President Joe Biden.
The ceasefire has brought relief to many, with families hoping for a return of loved ones held in Gaza. However, some have expressed concerns about the deal’s limitations and the potential for further violence. The agreement provides for the release of 33 hostages in Gaza over six weeks in exchange for 737 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, as well as the release of 1,167 Gaza residents who were not involved in the October 7 attack that sparked the war.
Palestinians are also eager to return to their homes, with aid set to pour in to help rebuild and recover from the devastating conflict. Egypt’s foreign minister announced the reopening of the Rafah crossing, Gaza’s main gateway to the outside world, and the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a significant increase in humanitarian aid to the region.
