The ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, originally scheduled to begin on Sunday, 19 January 2025, may be delayed to Monday. The Israeli cabinet vote on the agreement, initially planned for Friday, has been postponed as tensions escalate over alleged last-minute changes to the terms.  

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused Hamas of reneging on certain points in an attempt to secure additional concessions. Netanyahu's office stated that no vote would occur until Israel receives guarantees that Hamas has accepted all elements of the agreement. These accusations were denied by Hamas, which in turn warned that continued Israeli airstrikes in Gaza endanger the lives of hostages.  

Despite the delays, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed confidence in the implementation of the ceasefire, saying, "I expect the implementation to begin as we said, on Sunday." Mediators, including Qatar and Egypt, have called for the immediate enforcement of the truce to prevent further bloodshed.  

In Gaza, the announcement of the ceasefire had initially brought scenes of joy, but the euphoria quickly dissipated as Israeli bombardments continued. According to Gaza’s health ministry, 81 people were killed in 24 hours following the ceasefire announcement. Bombing targeted densely populated areas, including Gaza City and the Jabalia refugee camp. Residents described devastation and despair as strikes intensified despite the promise of a truce.  

International observers, including the United Nations, have criticised the unprecedented scale of destruction in Gaza, where over 46,000 Palestinians—mostly civilians—have been killed since October 2023. The humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave continues to worsen, with 2.4 million residents displaced and in urgent need of aid.  

The ceasefire agreement, brokered with the involvement of the United States and Qatar, outlines a phased approach. In the first phase, 33 Israeli hostages, including women, children, and elderly individuals, are to be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire is also expected to enable the delivery of critical humanitarian aid to Gaza and initiate negotiations for a complete Israeli withdrawal from the territory.  

The deal has provoked mixed reactions within Israeli society. Right-wing members of Netanyahu’s cabinet, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, have criticised the agreement as "dangerous" and signalled their intent to vote against it. Meanwhile, protests erupted in Jerusalem, with demonstrators urging the government to move forward with the truce.  

For Palestinians, the ceasefire represents a fragile step towards alleviating their suffering. However, the continued violence and political uncertainties underscore the challenges ahead. Palestinian leaders have called for robust international oversight to ensure that the ceasefire terms are respected and to address the root causes of the conflict, including the ongoing blockade of Gaza.  

While the agreement offers a temporary reprieve from the violence, the path to a lasting peace remains fraught. Achieving a sustainable resolution will require unwavering commitment from all parties and significant international support.