After prolonged negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel in the Gaza Strip will take effect on Sunday, 19 January 2025, at 8:30 AM local time (6:30 AM GMT). Majed al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, confirmed the development, urging Gaza residents to remain cautious and heed official instructions during this sensitive period.

The agreement, announced earlier this week, includes a six-week initial phase. It stipulates the release of 33 hostages held in Gaza since Hamas's unprecedented 7 October 2023 attack on Israeli territory. In return, Israel has committed to releasing 737 Palestinian prisoners, including women and minors, many of whom were detained following the October attack. Among them is Zakaria al-Zoubeidi, a notable figure and former leader of the Al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades, the armed wing of the Fatah party.

Tensions, however, remain high. On Saturday morning, explosions echoed over Jerusalem following rocket sirens triggered by a projectile fired from Yemen. The Houthi rebels, who control large parts of Yemen, have intensified their attacks against Israel in solidarity with Palestinians since the onset of the Gaza war. The group has warned of continued strikes if Israel fails to honour the ceasefire terms. In response, the Israeli military launched airstrikes targeting Houthi positions, including in the Yemeni capital, Sanaa.

This fragile ceasefire marks a critical juncture in a conflict that has claimed countless lives and wrought immense devastation. For Palestinians, particularly those in Gaza, the stakes are extraordinarily high. As hopes cautiously rise for an enduring peace, the international community must amplify its efforts to address the root causes of this conflict, ensuring justice, security, and dignity for all involved.